Theatre-at-Tusculum's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" will open Nov. 8. At top, Cinderella (Ellen Sizemore) and Prince Charming (Sterling Bean) watch the dancers at the ball. Prince Charming and the Queen (Laura Patrick) discuss the upcoming, at middle left, and Cinderella shares her wishes to go to the ball with her Fairy Godmother (Linda Brimer), middle right. Cinderella, at bottom, is ordered about by her ugly stepsisters, (B.J. Roberts, left, and Brian Allen Ricker, middle) and wicked stepmother (Margaret Ayers).

Cinderella will make it to the royal ball this November on the Tusculum College stage. But, will the slipper fit?

Audiences will have the opportunity to find out as Theatre-at-Tusculum presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's version of the beloved fairy tale, "Cinderella." The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8, 9, 15, and 16; and 2 p.m. on Nov. 10 and 17. The performances will take place in the auditorium of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building on the Tusculum College campus.

A cast of 82 brings the originality, charm, and elegance of Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical to the stage. First presented for television, this version has been adopted for the stage, displaying great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity.

A typical Theatre-at-Tusculum performance, the cast includes adults and youngsters from the local community as well as the Tusculum College campus. Ellen Sizemore will portray Cinderella and Sterling Bean takes the role of Prince Charming. Linda Brimer will play the Fairy Godmother; Margaret Ayers has the role of the Wicked Stepmother; and Tom Sizemore and Laura Patrick will portray the King & Queen. The ugly stepsisters roles are being taken by B.J. Roberts and Brian Allen Ricker.

The cast, chosen from 232 auditioners, is rounded out by those portraying the herald, royal steward, chef, court jester, exuberant villagers, beautiful dancers at the ball, mice, butterflies, and royal chefs.

A spectacular set, designed by Tusculum Arts Outreach's Frank Mengel, is built on a series of tiers to ensure that the audience will be able to see all that happens during the lively musical. The set was constructed with the expert help of volunteers Carl Close and Stewart Hoeke. The artistic design is by Gary Renfro.

The play is directed and choreographed by Marilyn duBrisk, Tusculum College's artist-in-residence. The assistant director and stage manager is Angela Wilson, Arts Outreach coordinator.

Theatre-at-Tusculum has been known for its colorful and creative costumes, and this production is no different. Arts Outreach staff member Ann Birdwell is overseeing their creation by a group of talented, volunteer seamstresses. Angie Clendenon is the vocal director and Carolyn Gregg is accompanist. Responsibilities for the actors' and actresses' make-up has been taken by Christy Hoeke. All three are veterans of Theatre-at-Tusculum productions.

Theatre-at-Tusculum is a project of Tusculum's Arts Outreach, supported by the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and $5 for children under 12. Ticket reservations will be taken by Tusculum College Arts Outreach office (423-798-1620) from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning in November, and also will be available at the door. Reserved tickets must be picked up half an hour prior to the performance.

For more information, call Arts Outreach at (423) 798-1620 or visit its Web site at: http://arts.tusculum.edu.