Nine O’Clock Players: SoCal’s Oldest Children’s Theatre Presents “Cinderella: The True Story” This Sunday

 

“Cinderella: The True Story” will open Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2 p.m.  on the historic Nine O’Clock Players (NOP) stage at its barn-style theatre at 1367 N. St. Andrews Pl. (between Fountain and Sunset) in Hollywood. 

Based on the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella: The True Story” presents the kind-hearted Cinderella, who fights for a world where everyone – from tailors to kings – learns that bigger isn’t always better and that to truly be rich we should share what we have. A delightful musical production with singing, dancing, princes in disguise, and a fairy godmother who doesn’t always get things right.

“Cinderella: The True Story” features book and lyrics by Scott Guy, music by Nick DeGregorio, musical direction by Scott Anthony, and direction by Eric Michaud.

Director Eric Michaud (he/him) is an LA-based performer, director, and choreographer who has had the pleasure of working all over the world. Favorite credits include “Thrones! The Musical” (Sydney Opera House), “Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts Musical Parody” (London), “Teaching a Robot to Love” (Hollywood Fringe, Winner: Broadway World Regional Award for Best Choreography) and performing as a member of “Quick and Funny Musicals” at Upright Citizens Brigade here in LA.

“We are thrilled to continue our 90+ year tradition of bringing extraordinary children’s theatre to Southern California’s students and their families, teachers, and caregivers,” shares “Cinderella: The True Story” producer, Rachel Wecht.

Since 1929, the NOP has been performing classic theatre for children. “Cinderella” is the first live performance since the pandemic. The theater is operated and supported entirely by NOP volunteers who, in addition to acting in the plays, handle set and costume design, technical work and every other aspect of the productions. Stories for NOP shows are chosen from classic children’s literature, with dancing, singing, lively costumes and special effects.

“We are so excited to be back performing live for children and their families and our talented cast has been really pulling out all the stops for Sunday’s performance,” said Jenny Brandt, NOP Public Relations Chair. “We would love to see a house full of families enjoying live theater.”

The NOP trace their roots back to the 1890s, when a group of Los Angeles society women founded a new charitable organization called the Assistance League.® After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the League organized a relief unit, which in 1919 officially became the Assistance League® of Los Angeles. At the time, the organization focused on providing food and clothing for families adversely affected by World War 1…but it soon branched out in numerous ways to help improve the quality of life for disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles.

Within its first decade, the Assistance League® opened a Day Nursery, purchased office space, and started service groups such as a Preschool Auxiliary, Girls Club, Bookworms Auxiliary, and College Alumni Auxiliary. It also launched fundraising ventures including a Film Location Bureau, Attic Tea Room, and Thrift Shop. In more recent decades, the League has focused even more specifically on removing barriers to education for thousands of underserved and impoverished Los Angeles youth by providing education, shoes, clothing, books and an introduction to the arts.

As part of this latter effort, in 1929, the organization also formed the Assistance League® of Los Angeles Theatre for Children…and its award-winning Nine O’Clock Players (NOP) Auxiliary still performs two plays each year, in the fall and spring.

The theatre group welcomes area residents for public performances and field trips, and also offers shows and bus transportation at no cost to economically and physically challenged children as part of the organization’s 85-year mission to introduce children to the magic of live performance, literature and music through the joy of theatre.

Cinderella opens Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2 p.m. Performances are on Sundays, March 12th,19th, 26th and April 2nd. All performances are at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $15. Special group rates and birthday party rates are available.

For tickets to Cinderella: The True Story please call (323) 545-6153 or visit www.nineoclockplayers.com or www.brownpapertickets.com to purchase tickets online. The Assistance League Theatre is located in Hollywood at 1367 N. St. Andrews Place.