For Immediate Release: November 25, 2006
Media Contact: Marc S. Goldberg, Storybook Musical Theatre, 215.659.8550

Storybook Musical Theatre, the Abington-based professional, Equity, children's theater company, will open its 15th Anniversary season with an original adaptation of the well-known Charles Perrault' tale of "Cinderella", the story of a young woman who holds her dreams close to her heart and sees them become reality. The musical plays first from December 18 to December 30 at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, 800 Tomlinson Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA. (Huntingdon Valley). Tickets are $10.00 for children and $12.00 for adults, with school and group discounts available. For reservations or more information call: 215-659-8550.

Storybook's Artistic Director, Patricia Goldberg has adapted the book with original music by composer Kevin Arruda. This beloved story tells the tale of a young woman who dreams of a better life but is trapped living with, and working for, her demanding stepmother and two clumsy and malicious stepsisters, Zinnia and Doreese. When the time comes for the bachelor Prince Stefan to seek a bride, the King decides to hold a spectacular ball and invite all the eligible maidens in his kingdom. The invitations arrive and the stepsisters are beyond themselves, but Cinderella knows she cannot attend because has nothing to wear to the formal event. Just in the nick of time her Fairy Godmother appears to help transform her into the belle of the ball, setting the stage to capture the Prince's heart.

Storybook has gathered seven talented, local, professional actors for their cast:

In the title role of Cinderella is Charlene Angelini, of Fairless Hills, PA. She is making his Storybook debut in "Cinderella". Regional credits include; "Dracula", "West Side Story", "Secret Garden", "How to Succeed in Business" and "Into the Woods". In addition, she is an opera singer, musical director, teacher and has performed a cabaret act at Odette's in New Hope. She is a graduate of West Virginia University where she was a vocal and piano performance major.

Will Gallagher, of Horsham, PA. , also making his Storybook debut, plays Prince Stefan who finds his true love with the help of a size six shoe. He just completed a season at the Rehoboth Summer Theater where he performed in "Cinderella", "Jack & the Beanstalk" and "Knightly Knews". Other credits; "The Hardy Boys & the Mystery Babies" at the Village Players, "The Crucible", "The Philadelphia Story" and "A Christmas Carol" at DeSales University.

Playing the role of everyone's least likable stepmother is Storybook veteran Maryann Bucci, of Yardley, PA. Maryann was seen last season in as the Mother in"Hansel and Gretel." Other Storybook credits include the Blue Fairy in "Pinocchio," the Mother in "Rapunzel," Granny Fanny in "Little Red Riding Hood," Madeline in "Emperor's New Clothes,", just to name a few. In addition, Maryann is an accomplished opera singer.

Aileen Goldberg, of Newark, De., plays one of the mindless, unpleasant stepsisters, Zinnia. She was seen last season in "Aladdin." Other Storybook credits; "Prince and the Pauper," "Wizard of Oz" and "Alice in Wonderland". Regional credits; "The Pirate" at the Prince Music Theater, " "Beauty & the Beast" and "42nd Street" at New Candlelight Dinner Theater, "West Side Story," "Bye, Bye, Birdie," and "Damn Yankees" at Three Little Bakers Dinner Theater.

The other malcontent stepsister, Doreese, is played by Storybook newcomer, Danielle Herbert, of Philadelphia. Her regional credits include; "The Pirate" and "Pal Joey" at the Prince Music Theater, "Death and the King's Horseman" at Lantern Theater, "Purlie", "Cooley High" and "Black Nativity" at Freedom Theater and "Paper Moon" at the Walnut St. Theater.

Tamara Anderson, of Philadelphia plays Cinderella's enchanted Fairy Godmother who helps her realize her dream. Tamara, also a newcomer to Storybook, has been seen in "Yellowman" at Providence Black Rep. Theater, "Christmas Carol Rag" at Barnstormers Theater and "Soul of Chanteuse" at The Duplex, among other stage credits. Her film credits include "Barber Shop 2."

Rounding out the cast is a perennial Storybook favorite, Dana Schmidt, of Jenkintown, PA. reprising his role of the forlorn King who is desperate to marry off his son. Dana was just seen in the Storybook production of "Hansel & Gretel" the Father and "Aladdin" as the Sultan. Other Storybook credits include: Geppetto in "Pinocchio", the Emperor in "Emperor's New Clothes", the shoemaker in "Elves and the Shoemaker", the fathers in "Beauty and the Beast" and "Rapunzel". He has many film credits and when not acting he is an auctioneer.

Children's tickets are $10.00, Adults are $12.00 with generous school/group discounts available. Show times at the Mitchell Center: Dec. 18 to 22 at 10:15 am, Sat. at 11:00 am. and Dec. 26 to 30 at 11:00 am.

All Storybook productions are appropriate for ages 3 and older. For information or reservations, call box office at 215-659-8550 or Storybook's website: www.storybookmusical.org.

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