Phoenix Best, a Philadelphia native and DeSales University senior, plays the title role in "Cinderella," through Aug. 2, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.

"It's a really fun time playing Cinderella," says Best. "I've never played a princess before."

Best, a veteran of DeSales productions, including playing Velma Kelly in "Chicago" during her sophomore year, has been interested in acting since age 4. She says she came to DeSales to study acting because of the family atmosphere. "I'm not just a number here," she says.

Best's favorite aspect of "Cinderella" is the opportunity to talk with children and improvise with the audience during the show. "A lot of the kids tell us after the show that their favorite part was when we talked directly to them."

For Best, an African-American, the opportunity to be a role model for children of color is very special. "I really wanted to be Cinderella and show the African-American little girls that anyone can be a princess," she says.

Pete Danelski, who graduated from DeSales in May, plays the King's Messenger in "Cinderella." Danelski, also a Philadelphia native, most recently portrayed Mr. Kraler in the "Diary of Anne Frank" at DeSales.

Danelski dove into the fun and boisterous role of the Messenger. "I'm in charge of looking after the Prince and helping him follow through with finding his Princess," he says.

Regarding the actors ad-libbing with young theater-goers, Danelski says, "We don't talk down to the kids. The audience is not passive, but a big interactive part of the show."

Adds Best, "It's really different, really fun, very wacky. There are lots of pop culture references and Shakespeare references, too. This show appeals equally to both younger and older generations."

"Cinderella," 10 a.m. Wednesday - Saturday, through Aug. 2: also, 2 p.m. July 25, 29, 30, 31; meet cast after performance, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Schubert Theater, Labuda Center for The Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. pashakespeare.org, 610-282-WILL