Photo Flash: CINDERELLA Opens at Sierra Rep Tonight, 10/26

Step in to a bright, beautiful world this holiday season, as Sierra Rep presents a beloved family classic, filled with great music, zany characters and a heart-melting story of true love. Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella, a musical comedy favorite for generations, plays at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia from tonight, October 26 through December 22. Check out photos of the cast below!

Most everyone knows the story and the ending, of course – the fun is in the fantasy and the vivid characters: the beautiful heroine, the horrid stepsisters and their mean-spirited mother, the magical fairy godmother who is on our heroine's side, a frazzled butler, a reluctant prince and a magical, moonlit ball where anything is possible before the clock strikes midnight.

Rodgers and Hammerstein originally created the show as a hugely popular television special, then adapted it later for the stage. The upbeat musical score has a pop feel and is filled with familiar favorites, including "Ten Minutes Ago," In My Own Little Corner" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful."

Sierra Rep had a smash hit with this show a decade ago, and Viets' and his new cast are looking forward to bringing it to a whole new generation of families.

SRT Company Actor Samantha Bruce is Cinderella and Jake Delaney is Prince Charming. The two were paired up in SRT's season opening Gypsy, with Bruce in the title role and Delaney as the dancer Tulsa. Heather Orth, who played Mama Rose in SRT's Gypsy and Cousin Netty in Carousel, takes a comic turn as the mean stepmother, and Jennylind Parris and Daniella Painton are her clueless daughters. Parris has been in several shows with SierraRep, including this fall's I Love a Piano, and Painton is a newcomer to Sierra Rep.

Also back for a fun supporting role as the prince's loveable valet, Lionel, is Kenny Wade Marshall (SRT's Guys and Dolls and The Big Bang), Illeana Kirven reprising her role as the fairy godmother and SRT favorites Ron and Caitlin Randall as the King and Queen. Completing the ensemble are AshleyTownsend, Ariel Neydavoud, Kayla Hart, Emily Gordon, Mike Fiore and Lucas Coleman. 

Joining Viets as musical director is SRT's Mark Seiver, along with an experienced production team. SRT Technical Director Jeff Cooper is adapting the "pop-up" storybook set originally designed by San Diego designer Jay Heiserman. The extravagant costumes are designed by guest artist Ryan Moller. Props are being designed and created by SRT's Mercy Sharpe, lighting design is by SRT's Christopher Van Tuyl and the stage manager is SRT's Doug Brennan.

Cinderella opens tonight, October 26 and plays through Sunday, December 22 at the Fallon House Theatre. Most Thursday and Friday performances begin at 7 p.m., Saturday evening shows begin at 8 and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. A special "talk back" performance is Thursday, November 8. Tickets are $26-$32 depending on the day of the performance. The show is rated G, suitable for ages 6 and up. Younger children may attend this show, but they must be mature enough to be a quiet audience member.

For more information or reservations, call Sierra Rep's box office at (209) 532-3120 or visit Sierra Rep at www.sierrarep.org.

Photo Credit: Rich Miller Photography

Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace), Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy), Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Jake Delaney (Prince)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella)

Illeana Kirven (Fairy Godmother) and Samantha Bruce (Cinderella)

Illeana Kirven (Fairy Godmother)

Illeana Kirven (Fairy Godmother)

Jake Delaney (Prince)

Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy) and Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace)

Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy) and Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace)

Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy)

Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy)

Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy)

Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace)

Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace)

Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Illeana Kirven (Fairy Godmother)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Illeana Kirven (Fairy Godmother)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Illeana Kirven (Fairy Godmother)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Jake Delaney (Prince)

Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Jake Delaney (Prince)

Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy), Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace), Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Jake Delaney (Prince)

Daniella Painton (Stepsister Joy), Jennylind Paris (Stepsister Grace), Samantha Bruce (Cinderella) and Jake Delaney (Prince)