Comic Opera for Kids in ‘Cinderella!’

What’s Cinderella without her wicked stepmother, fairy godmother or pumpkin coach?

A hoot.

Children’s theater versions of the tale are often Disneyesque in nature; “Cinderella!,” at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, springs from a different source: the 19th century Rossini comic opera “La Cenerentola.” Smoothly adapted and directed by Dimitri Toscas, this is a rollicking “Cinderella!,” a fresh, funny blend of classical singing and sly buffoonery.

Its operatic core--plot-advancing recitative, arias, duets and spirited choruses--might seem challenging for young children, but Toscas’ astute balance of spoken dialogue and visual humor makes it comfortably accessible for ages 5 and older. There were only a few restless exceptions at a recent performance, where even preschoolers were caught up in the tale.

Adults, too, will appreciate the professional adult cast’s vocal strengths and comic talents. Jeanine Pacheco is Cinderella, pure of heart and resigned to playing servant to her mean stepsisters. Tall, lanky Clorinda (Karen Schnurr) and stocky Tisbe (Roberta B. Wall), posture and bicker in pantaloon-revealing hoop-skirt frames and wacky conical wigs.

Foppish, rotund stepfather Don Magnifico (Peter Vogt) is another walking sight gag, with painted-on mustache and ruffled pants, although it’s going a bit over the top that he is greedy enough to be willing to marry the prince himself.

The handsome Prince (Eric Meyersfield), meanwhile, disguised as his own servant, counts on the audience to keep his secret. Audience members also stand in for the missing fairy godmother, helping Cinderella wish for a pretty dress and shoes to wear to the ball. The wished-for items obligingly descend from high overhead.

More visual comedy works are a treat as the Prince fools the vain and silly sisters and the greedy Don Magnifico into thinking that a flat, cutout puppet is the real prince, even though Meyersfield can plainly be seen pulling the puppet’s strings. There is a glass slipper, but this Prince knows exactly to whom it belongs. With the help of the audience, he reveals his secret identity and true love prevails.

Toscas and Tony Leondis are credited with the comical production design. Pianists Brian O’Halloran, Greg Schreiner and Ron Snyder alternate in providing live accompaniment.

“Cinderella!,” Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank, Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m.; Sundays, 1 p.m. through Sept. 1. $10. (818) 955-8101. 1 hour, 10 minutes.