Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga opens 'A Kiss for Cinderella'

Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga ushers in fall with one of J.M. Barrie's lesser-known works, "A Kiss For Cinderella."

Barrie is more famously known for creating the character and stories behind Peter Pan and has been the recent subject of both film and theater works.

But for six performances at Barking Legs Theater beginning Friday, Oct. 18, audiences will explore the power of imagination in "A Kiss for Cinderella."

A young girl, employed to clean and manage the upkeep of flats, becomes the central figure in this story. Miss Thing, as she is called in a somewhat generalized manner, is dubbed Cinderella by one of the tenants whose flat she services. This tenant, Mr. Bodie, finds his Cinderella to be both endearing and curious.

On a happenstance evening when a policeman stops by to address an issue with Mr. Bodie, the two men concoct an opportunity to detect more information on Cinderella. The policeman becomes rather obsessed, and through his journey, the audience discovers just who this girl is as well.

"It's a sentimental comedy of manners done in the distinct style of Barrie," says Garry Lee Posey, director.

"There's humor when you pay attention. There's tragedy if you aren't careful, and by the end of the play there's a sense of reflection and warmth."

This is the second J.M Barrie play that ETC has presented in its tenure. In 2015, they presented "Dear Brutus," which found inspiration from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Barrie has a bevy of plays to his credit, but they are rarely produced outside of his native London.

ETC newcomer Megan Smith is cast as Cinderella. Veteran ensemble members Jacob Moore, Zachery Randall, Courtenay Gillean Cholovich, Alyssa Whitesell and Joseph Watts round out the cast.

Costumes are by Brenda Schwab, set and lights by Posey, props by Eva Fournier and stage managed by Kyle Coplen.

For tickets: 423-987-5141.