COLUMBIA — Step in to a bright, beautiful world this holiday season, as Sierra Rep presents a beloved family classic, filled with great music, zany characters and a heart-melting story of true love. Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, a musical comedy favorite for generations, plays at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia from Oct. 26 through Dec. 22.

SRT Artistic Director Scott Viets and his all-star team of performers and designers are having a great time creating the “Once Upon a Time” magic.

“This show has such appeal for all ages,” Viets said. “Kids will love the enchantment, but any grown-ups expecting a ‘kiddie show’ are in for a real treat. There’s a lot of humor for them, too.”

Most everyone knows the story and the ending, of course – the fun is in the fantasy and the vivid characters: the beautiful heroine, the horrid stepsisters and their mean-spirited mother, the magical fairy godmother who is on our heroine’s side, a frazzled butler, a reluctant prince and a magical, moonlit ball where anything is possible before the clock strikes midnight.

“Who doesn’t want this kind of magical, funny escape?” Viets asked. “You get these over-the-top characters who are completely ridiculous, and they’re juxtaposed by Cinderella and the prince, who are quite real. We’re rooting for them, and this Rodgers and Hammerstein version blends them so well.”

Rodgers and Hammerstein originally created the show as a hugely popular television special, then adapted it later for the stage. The upbeat musical score has a pop feel and is filled with familiar favorites, including “Ten Minutes Ago,” In My Own Little Corner” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful.”

Both main characters aren’t what you might expect.

“This Cinderella is not looking to be rescued. She isn’t sure what she wants, but she’s sure there’s more than what life has dealt her…and the prince knows he comes from privilege, but he’s looking for inner happiness.  Those are positive messages for young people.”