The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance is connecting with the community through the launch of its Detroit Youth Theatre and Dance Journey. 

The program kicks off June 4 with the play Cinderella, or It’s Okay to Be Different and will travel to 11 different Detroit elementary schools throughout June.  Public shows will begin at the Hilberry Theatre on June 20. 

“Cutbacks in DPS art programs have reduced the children’s exposure to fine and creative arts,” says Theatre and Dance Chair John Wolf.  “Having the opportunity to provide them access to theatre and dance and to entertain them for a day will hopefully enhance their lives and lighten their load.”

Cinderella, or It’s Okay to Be Different takes place on a school playground as a group of students discover that there are hundreds of Cinderella tales around the world. The up-beat, multicultural show focuses on the universality of folk literature while incorporating life lessons.

The production also is slated for three separate festivals throughout the city during the month of June, including North Rosedale Park’s June Days Festival, Detroit River Days and Summer In the Park Children’s Series at Campus Martius.

For more information about the public shows, visit wsushows.com or the Hilberry box office. Individual tickets are $5 for children and $8 for adults. Group rates are available.