Top Broadway stars will perform with local talent in a musical theatre production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" in Dubai next week to raise money for charity. Five performances will be held in the theatre of the Emirates International School from March 28-30 and proceeds will go to the Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre.

Organiser Janet Hildebrand-Hassouneh, who has taught music for 13 years at the Latifa School for Girls in Dubai, said, "The idea of organising a Broadway production in Dubai originated way back in 1995. My students and I saw a need to give young talent an opportunity to work alongside professionals. "We gave it some thought and received a good response from established Broadway artists and young local talents for our two earlier productions in Dubai - 'Hansel and Gretel' and 'Amahl and the Night Visitors'.

"In about a year I plan to do 'My Fair lady' and in the last week of October there are plans to organise a children's opera called 'Papageno'." New York-based soprano Katherine Valentine, an established Broadway professional, will play Cinderella in the colourful production of the classic fairy tale.

She wins her prince charming, tenor Paul Matsumoto, also a New Yorker, and weaving the magic is Fairy Godmother Karen Oleson, a leading musical theatre vocal coach in the Pacific Northwest, whose students star in productions in the U.S. and Europe.

The guest artists are supported by a talented troupe of local, semi-professional and amateur singers and musicians, including soprano Janet Hildebrand-Hassouneh as the wicked stepmother, Cara Roberts and Lindsey Barteld as the annoying but hilariously funny stepsisters, Melanie Von Spreecken and Jeffery Wayne as the vaudeville-type King and Queen. The orchestra will be conducted by Dubai music director Steve Griffiths.

Cinderella is being choreographed and staged by Vanessa Chapman, an award-winning UK choreographer, and the colourful, mediaeval style scenery is designed and built by Dubai Television. Costumes were created by Meryll Owen. Tickets are priced at Dh50 and are available from Music Master in City Centre and at the Palm Strip Mall.

On March 28, the musical will start at 7.30pm, on March 29 at 4 and 7.30pm and on March 30 at 2 and 5.30pm. Scott Hicks, vice president and managing director of Disney Channel-Middle East said, "The story of Cinderella has touched the hearts of millions and I am certain that the musical will mirror this inspiration. We are always delighted to support children's development in the region on all levels."

The Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai will host A Night On Broadway featuring guest musical artists from New York on March 23 at 8pm. It will be performed in two sets. The first part is an overview of "Cinderella" with extracts of the fairytale performed live on stage at the Rashidiya Ballroom. The second part consists of popular songs from famous Broadway shows. Tickets are priced at Dh35 and are available at the hotel's box office. Proceeds will also go to the Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre.

Helen Tomlinson of the Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre said, "The centre largely relies on fund-raising and donations. Musical events such as 'Cinderella' help us to raise awareness about the centre and its activities in the community." Major sponsors include Emirates airline, American Airlines, Microsoft, the Disney Channel and the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel.