The traditional story of Cinderella revolves around a girl who must overcome her stepfamily in order to obtain her true love, all with the help of a fairy godmother.
But what if she had to beat the seven deadly sins as well?
The ABC Players will explore this concept in their new show, The Ash Girl. According to a news release, the story is an original take on the Cinderella myth, which has a darker, more gothic feel than the Disney version the audience may be used to.
The darker feel is portrayed not only by the text itself but by the set and costumes. Many of the characters wear masks that may have surprises underneath and the set is described as “Victorian,” “goth” and “steampunk,” according to the news release.
Though the show may have a different feel than the traditional story, many of the same characters are still involved. Cinderella still has to overcome two stepsisters, although the characters’ personas are slightly different.
Kaylla Steadman, a student at Hocking College who plays one of the stepsisters, said that while most would categorize the sisters as evil, her character Ruth is more “two-faced” than evil.
“Because this character is two-faced, I have had the challenge of going from sickeningly sweet to extremely evil in a split second,” Steadman said. “This is something I have never done before and have enjoyed the challenge of accomplishing.”
The prince also makes his appearance in the play, although his character deviates from the original Prince Charming.
Stephen Codling, a resident of Groveport, Ohio, plays Prince Amir, an “exile from a distant land” who has an accent “somewhere between Antonio Banderas and Casanova” and “a demeanor of an angry Romeo,” said Codling.
While Codling said he has played a character similar to Prince Amir before, the role still came with its own challenges.
“I have never before been cast as a romantic lead. Learning how to be romantic was challenging, but I think I managed to pull it off,” he said.
While the show is advertised for “mature audiences,” Steadman said that audiences do not need to be wary.
“It’s the perfect show for a final Halloween fright!” she said.
The show opens tonight at 8 p.m. at Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square. Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 advanced purchase and $7 for students.
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IF YOU GO
:WHAT: The Ash Girl
WHEN: 8 p.m. Nov. 3–5, 2 p.m. Nov. 6
WHERE: Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville
ADMISSION: $12 general admission at the door, $10 advanced purchase, $7 for students
