A COMEDIC adaptation of Cinderella hits the stage this weekend at Northeast High School Eagles Auditorium as the Dionysus Drama Club presents its fall production of Billy St. John's Cindy Ella's Going to the Ball, Baby!
Curtain times are at 7 p.m. today and tomorrow with a matinee at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Admission is $5.
In this fractured fairy tale, poor Cindy wants to go to her senior prom at Castle Hill High and dance with the irresistible Joe, the object of Cindy's unrequited love. Our heroine's wicked stepmother and stepsisters do everything possible to discourage the teen-ager's attempts until a fairy godmother with an attitude and her crew of miracle workers show up to save the day.
At the prom, Cindy finds love, not with Joe the cutie, but his best friend, Buddy.
Shelley Mager plays the title role of Cindy Ella, with Dana Lowman playing Cindy's wicked stepmother, Lucinda. Jessika Keller and Sara Odea are cast in the roles of the selfish stepsisters, Missy and Prissy.
Tom Croke as Joe and Mike McClendon as Buddy star as the two men in Cindy's complicated love life. Carla Mallory and Bill Johnson round out Cindy's circle of friends.
No version of Cinderella would be complete without a fairy godmother. This one is named Big Mama, played by Shelby Schorm, with her two assistants, Bluebell and Brunhilda, played by Brittany Lavicka and Ashley Schaeffer.
Other cast members include John Lucia III and teacher Kevin Gast adding his dulcet tones in an off-stage part.
The show is directed by teacher Martin LeFrancois, with student Bryan Minnick serving as stage manager. Other Dionysus Club members are serving as extras and stage crew.
"We promise that there are lots of laughs and special effects including a strobe light and smoke in this version," LeFrancois said.
The school is at 1121 Duvall Highway. Information: 410- 437-6400.
Charitable harvest
Hats off to Pasadena neighbors who donated almost 10 tons of food Nov. 3 at the Pasadena Business Association's annual caring and sharing harvest parade.
Carol Cross, the association's executive director, said that thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated, all 10 church food pantries have been stocked. But Cross said that neighbors who did not get to donate canned goods can still make monetary donations to the association's food fund. "The money will help the food pantries purchase turkeys for the holidays and other items in short supply," Cross said.
Checks should be made out to the PBA Food Fund, P.O. Box 861, Pasadena, Md. 21122-0861
Gospel concert
El Bethel Full Gospel Church in Pasadena invites the community to a concert by the Murphys at 6 p.m. Sunday.
The Murphys, a family quartet specializing in Southern Gospel music, are from Glen Burnie. They have performed together for the past three years and brought their music ministry to churches and coffeehouses throughout the state.
Admission is free. Donations will be accepted.
The church is at Catherine Avenue and 204th Street. Information: 410-761-3120.
Longwood Gardens
Travel with the Long Point Garden Club on a bus trip to see the holiday displays at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa., on Dec. 4.
The bus will depart at 10 a.m. from Lauer's IGA parking lot on Edwin Raynor Boulevard and return at 8 p.m.
The cost is $42 a person.
Evelyn Pizza, the club's spokeswoman, said the group should arrive at Longwood about noon and have plenty of time to tour the glass conservatory, the Pierce-DuPont House, and walk through the fantastic light displays.
Lunch is not provided, but a boxed dinner, included in the cost, will be served on the return trip.
Information: 410-437-3153.
Dinner bingo
Stoney Creek Democratic Club will hold its monthly dinner bingo Sunday at the clubhouse on Fort Smallwood Road.
Admission is $20 and includes a hot platter, beverage and dessert, and 20 regular bingo games. Early birds and specials will be sold.
The doors open at noon with early bird games starting at 1 p.m. Information: 410-255-4611.
Craft fair
Savvy holiday shoppers can purchase unique handcrafted items at Chesapeake High School Band Boosters annual craft fair, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at the school, 4798 Mountain Road.
Penny Burke, a Boosters spokeswoman, said almost 100 crafters have signed up to show and sell at the fair.
"There will be lots of Christmas decorations for sale, flower arrangements, jewelry, ceramic items, woodworking, American Doll clothes, plus a host of other beautiful handmade items for sale," she said.
Band members will provide free child care. Food and refreshments will be sold.
Proceeds will benefit the marching band. Information: 410-255-6874.