Springhouse Middle School drama students have been rehearsing for the last five weeks to present their version of the fairy tale "Cinderella."

This three-act musical tells the story of a kind, sweet and gentle young woman, who despite living with her cruel and evil stepmother and stepsisters, achieves all her dreams and marries a prince. The fairy tale is based on the French folk tale of Cinderella.

Mara Cohen portrays Cinderella. Yaseen Elzalabany plays Prince Philippe.

"Cinderella is very sweet and has really big dreams, fortunately in the end they all come true," Cohen said. "It was really interesting depicting Cinderella using my own personality.

"I like playing Cinderella because it is a really good experience. I have learned more about myself as an actor."

Elzalabany said Prince Philippe is not really snooty.

"I'm [Prince Philippe] royalty but I like to go out with the commoners," Elzalabany said. "I don't really like being rushed into marriage but when I find Cinderella, I don't want anyone else."

Skylar Gutman commented on her role as Fairy Godmother.

"My character is a very bubbly woman who is quite scatter-brained," Gutman said. She is so much fun to work with.

"She is definitely a new challenge and it is fun working with all this new material."

Gutman said of all the characters she has played, the Fairy Godmother is the one who has the most personality.

Autumn Colalillo also commented on her role as Collette the Mouse.

"Collette is one of those ready-to-fight characters," Colalillo explained. "I feel like I can connect with my character because I'm always ready to stand up for what I believe in. I like that she is feisty."

Colalillo said as Collette she can play with the scenes in her own way.

"I love coming to practice because I am around all her friends," she said.

This fairy tale is being directed by Jessica Manmiller.

"This version of Cinderella …. with the delightful talking mice and a slightly flighty Fairy Godmother as well as a comical ballroom full of quirky princess wannabes make this a delightful variation which stays true to the story every little girl dreams of," Manmiller said. "Everyone loves a fairy tale. In addition, this delightful version was based very closely on the most familiar version of this popular tale with a very flexible cast that allowed a larger amount of student participation."

The drama students will perform "Cinderella" at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 and 24 in Springhouse Middle School auditorium.

Tickets are $3 and will be available at the door.

Audience members can also purchase "Kisses for the Cast" on each performance night for $1 to show their support for a cast or crew member.

Purchase a "kiss," fill out the tag with a fun and supportive message, and cast helpers will attach the tag to a bag of Hershey Kisses to be given to that cast member.

For more information about the play, call 610-351-5700.