Children's Theater casts a spell at Ford

The Shafter Summer Children's Theater cast a spell on audiences this past weekend, performing "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella" at Shafter's Ford Theater. The group spent two months preparing for the challenging production, filled with songs, dancing and acting.

The production featured the character of Cinderella, played by Rori Acres. Acres was at times shy and reserved, as well as always kind and gracious. For comic relief, look no further than the hilarious Evil Stepmother and her quirky daughters. The Stepmother was played by Izabella Rodriguez and her daughters were played by Emma Gonzalez and McKenna Castillo..

The show began with a performance by the Rising Stars, a group of younger kids who are cutting their teeth in theater, working to be seasoned performers before they enter into the Children's Summer Theater. The show was adorable with the cast playing mice who helped Cinderella find her way to the Ball to meet the Prince. They were led by the Head Mouse, who told them that they would have to turn into horses to get Cinderella to the dance.

In the main production, the Prince was played by Caleb Toews. His parents, the King and Queen, were played by Santiago Ramirez and Zoe Busby. Ramirez was a frazzled father, trying to keep the event from costing a fortune, and keep the Queen happy at the same time.

Cinderella's Fairy Godmother was played by Ruby Rossetto, who was a mix of guardian, friend and mentor. Of course, the slipper eventually fits Cinderella, making her the bride of the tale to the Handsome Prince.

The company was led by longtime Children's Summer Theater leader Cris Starrh, who founded the group over 20 years ago.