The Ballet School of Topsham, under the direction of Elizabeth Drucker, will premiere “Cinderella,” the magical fairy tale ballet, at Orion Performing Arts Center the first weekend of May. The classic ballet is full of enchantment, hope, and emotion.

The score, composed by Sergei Prokofiev in the 1940s is jubilant, melodic, and poignant. “Prokofiev is the true story teller in this ballet; he captures the moods and intentions of the characters so perfectly, and the music just shimmers. It’s impossible for the dancers not to be swept up in the magic and emotion of it” says Drucker in a press release. She hopes the audiences will also be swept away by the visually captivating show which runs 75 minutes and is geared to all ages.

There are mice, magic spells, pumpkin fairies, and a talented cast of over 100 dancers. The youngest students debut as Dust Bunnies while pre-professional students and guest artists portray the leads.

Longtime audience favorite, Sarah Meyer-Waldo, a senior at Morse High School, plays Cinderella, and brings both exuberance and vulnerability to her role.

Drucker claims that whatever ballet she is working on at the time is her favorite, but she admits “Cinderella” is special. “The story, the music, and the enthusiasm of the cast is just exhilarating.”

Local cast members are Sophia Gudroe of Boothbay Harbor as a Fairy Godmother Attendant;  Lauren Barclay and Josee Winston-Feder - Boothbay; Yuji Smith - Edgecomb; Sage Kosky, Julia Truesdell - Wiscasset;  Maeva Culbertson,  Huckleberry Huber-Rees - Alna;  Fasai Sonnige Cumming, Isabelle Manahan, Lyla Corbett, Margaret Burke - Newcastle.

“Cinderella” will be performed Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 at 3 p.m. at the Orion Performing Arts Center, 66 Republic Avenue in Topsham. General admission tickets are $10 for children and seniors, $12 for adults, and are available at the door.