The classic fairy tale of "Cinderella" will come to life at Crossroads Playhouse. While actors prepare their lines, crews are hard at work turning the stage into a real-life storybook

"It's going to look like we're turning the pages," said Kelly Gilson, director of Corinth Theatre-Arts'production. "It's like a big pop-up book."

With help from an orchestra and that bigger-than-life-sized book, the cast and crew will tell Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical version of "Cinderella."

As you know, it's a sad story in the beginning, when Cinderella's life is ruled by her wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters.

Shelby Pratt, who plays the title character, said the real fun starts after the Fairy Godmother changes Cinderella's ragged clothes into fancy ball attire, including a pair of glass slippers.

"Oh, I love the glass slippers and dressing up," Pratt said, smiling. "The best part about playing her is wearing the big dress."

Bad girls

Linda Dixon, who brings the Stepmother to life, said her stiff, lacy costume helps her get into the role.

"We've all dealt with people we've felt were just mean. You draw on that," Dixon said. "Really, I don't know how I got cast as the wicked Stepmother."

The Stepsisters, played by Shelby Lou Smith and Morgan Wright, will do their part to annoy Cinderella. In the process, they'll leave the audience laughing.

"I get to be pushy," Dixon said. "The Stepsisters get to do all the physical comedy. I just kind of yell at them."

Everybody's story

The giant storybook will take the audience to Cinderella's house, the ballroom and the royal gardens. Gilson said it'll be a trip to familiar, well-loved territory for most people.

"It is a show that everybody knows. Everybody has their dreams that they hope for," she said. "This is one of my favorite fairy tales ever. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Contact M. Scott Morris at (662) 678-1589 or scott.morris@djournal.com.

Corinth Theatre-Arts will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31; 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 5; Saturday, June 6; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7 at Crossroads Playhouse. Tickets are $10 adults; $5 students. (662) 287-2995.