Prince Topher, played by Jack Tindall, leans in for a kiss from Cinderella, played by Alexis Cruz, in the Marietta High School musical “Cinderella” on the auditorium stage. (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA — The timeless story of Roger and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” will debut Friday at Marietta High School, said a press release from Marietta City Schools.

Each show is open to the public, $12 tickets are available at the door or online through the Marietta Athletics Department. To find out more visit https://tinyurl.com/2n6wyrpn.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. with doors opening one hour earlier. Each show is open to the public, $12 tickets are available at the door or online through the Marietta Athletics Department. To find out more visit tinyurl.com/y847s7ms.

“Come enjoy live theater again,” said Scott Rieder, MHS’s director of choirs and the show’s stage director. “This is a classic from the golden era of musical theater and one that these kids have grown through despite curveballs from snow days to COVID; they’ve stepped up to the challenge.”

Attendees to the high school auditorium at 208 Davis Avenue will find Rieder with a baton in hand Friday at 7 p.m., directing a live pit orchestra filled with MHS band students, community members and two additional music teachers from Marietta City Schools as they accompany the voices of the 28-student cast, said the press release.

Step-sister Gabrielle, played by Lyanna Smith, laments Prince Topher’s affections in the Marietta High School musical “Cinderella” on the auditorium stage. (Photo Provided)

“I want people to come and see how we are doing the impossible,” said Sophomore Alexis Cruz, 16, between her shift from scullery maid to the graceful ball guest, Cinderella. “It’s hard not to have fun when you see how much fun we’re having on stage. It’s truly magical.”

A magic made possible by the district consolidation this school year with the technical direction of Jon Sarver and his 15-person crew, said the press release.

“By bringing Mr. Sarver up from the former middle school this allowed us to add more theater-related courses to the curriculum,” explained Rieder. “Stagecraft has added a career pathway for these kids to go out into the workforce with marketable skills.”

Skills that bid the audience to escape into a world of power struggle, intrigue and humor, said the press release.

“It’s a different story that’s reimagined in a way that has more realistic, real-world problems and ideas,” said Sophomore Jack Tindall, 16, who plays opposite Cruz as Prince Topher.

Madame, played by Meaghan O’Neill, schemes for the throne in the Marietta High School musical “Cinderella” on the auditorium stage. (Photo Provided)

“Plus, humor makes it less boring and adds some spice,” adds Junior Lyanna Smith, 16, who plays step-sister Gabrielle.

The young cast developed confidence through teamwork and discipline over the last three months in preparation for a single weekend of shows, said the press release.

“Everyone has worked hard and wants to do a good job in creating a performance that the community will enjoy,” says Junior Finn Hall, 16, who plays Sebastian. “We all desire the same outcome and have been working collaboratively to achieve it.”

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Feel Like the Right Fit for You?

If you go to “Cinderella,” tickets are available for purchase online or at the door for $12.

Friday, Feb. 25:

* Doors open at 6 p.m.

* Show opens at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 26:

* Doors open at 6 p.m.

* Show opens at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 27:

* Doors open at 1 p.m.

* Show opens at 2 p.m.