When the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s production of “Cinderella” opens this weekend, audiences will notice several differences from the 1950 Disney version of the tale — including men in drag. Travis Williams, general studies senior and administrative assistant at the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre, plays one of the wicked stepsisters.”I do want to emphasize that we’re wicked, not ugly,” he said. “We generally try to steal the show whenever possible … you get to laugh a lot.”The Theatre has performed “Cinderella” almost every other year since 2003.The role of Cinderella will be played by Helen Daigle, a Baton Rouge native who dances professionally with the Louisville Ballet.Williams said the story line will be familiar, but the ballet version of “Cinderella” features unexpected turns keeping audiences engaged.”This show really proves that anybody can come to the ballet and have a good time,” he said. “You really get involved with it and connect with the characters.”Laura Catalanello, accounting senior, previously filled the role of a pink lady and now plays the fairy godmother.Catalanello, who has been dancing with Baton Rouge Ballet since age 10, has been in two performances of “Cinderella.””[It’s] just a fun ballet. It’s not as serious as the ‘Nutcracker,'” she said.Stephen Kearnion, University alumnus, plays the other wicked stepsister alongside Williams.”There’s this myth that ballet is inaccessible – this show debunks that,” he said.Kearnion, who got his start dancing with the LSU Dance Program, said the close friendships between cast members influence the performances.”It really is like family. We’ve seen everyone kind of grow,” he said. “Travis and I are best friends … and I feel like that’s important. We push each other and mess with each other – onstage and off.”Since the show is performed on a regular basis, cast members have to work their way up the ladder, earning more important roles over time, Kearnion said. Rebecca Acosta, University alumna, formerly filled the role of fairy godmother and is now the assistant director of the production. The show’s 90-minute running time and family-friendly subject matter make it appropriate for all ages.”It’s a good date because the guy’s like, ‘Hey, I’m taking you to the ballet!’ But he’s also going to laugh and enjoy himself,” Williams said.Sharon Mathews has been directing the production since it began in 2003. “There’s a lot of magic in ‘Cinderella,'” she said. “I think it’s one of the most beautiful stories for girls of all ages.”The show also involves interaction with the audience — lords of the court go into the crowd and fit the shoe on young women.”Cinderella” will run at the River Center on March 27th and 28th at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s Web site.Follow Elizabeth Clausen on Twitter @ TDR_EClausen.—-Contact Elizabeth Clausen at [email protected].