Three Classic Heroines Take to the Stage

This weekend, children’s theater in Los Angeles features classic heroines Cinderella, Alice and Dorothy in updated versions of the children’s stories.

Today at noon, the Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, presents a modern, comical musical version of “Cinderella.” The costumes are traditional, the story line is faithful, but there are clever touches--such as a lovable dog named Rover, peppy fairy godmother and stepsisters who sound like Valley Girls.

The 90-minute production (with intermission) is suitable for children 2 and older. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3.50 for children; reservations are required. Two other shows are scheduled: next Saturday and Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. Information: (818) 244-8481.

The Actors Repertory Theatre of Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica, will perform “Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party” today at 1 and 3 p.m. The troupe is a mixed group of adults and teen-agers who take on the roles of Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter.

In this one-hour version, Alice grows up and returns to Wonderland with many scenes straight out of Lewis Carroll. Tickets are $5 and reservations are required. Performances continue Sunday and weekends through Nov. 13. Information: (213) 394-9779.

At Le Petit Repertory Theatre, 19562 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, children 3 to 15 will perform “The Wizard of Oz” Sunday at 2 p.m. The children have been rehearsing this traditional version for five months. Other performances: Oct. 16 and 30, Nov. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $3; reservations required. Information: (818) 344-7715.

SPECIAL EVENTS Surely most boys’ visions of heaven would include bikes and skateboards everywhere and the freedom to ride at will. Today’s “Kids Are Wheel People” festivities at Aviation High School in Redondo Beach must be a touch of heaven here on earth. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., top BMX bike riders, skateboarders, and roller skaters will demonstrate their skills. There’s also a custom-car show and food, clothing and bike and board related paraphernalia for sale. The show is a fund-raiser for the recently destroyed Redondo Beach Pier. The school is at the corner of Aviation and Manhattan Beach boulevards, near TRW. Admission is $5; children younger than 6, free.

The third annual “One Sky, One World Kite Festival,” Sunday at Santa Monica Beach, will be a synchronized kite-fly with flyers from all over the world gathering to express a hope for peace--and enjoy a fall afternoon on the sand. All kites are welcome: There are no rules, no judges, no prizes. Stunt kite-flyers will demonstrate their skills. The fly begins at noon and participants are encouraged to bring picnic baskets and blankets. It’s free and takes place just north of the Santa Monica Pier. Information: (213) 822-2561.