Music by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society greets theater patrons as they enter Lafayette’s historic Town Hall Theatre, setting the mood for its current production of “Cinderella.”

Running through Dec. 18, the fairy tale by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck features Evelyn McCollum in the title role. McCollum is a spunky, warmhearted Ella forced to live with her mean Stepmother (Alicia Rydman) after the death of her father (also played by Rydman!). Her spoiled Stepsister (Vanessa Dalpiaz) and Stepbrother (Scout Del Real) treat her as their personal maid.

“ ’Cinderella: A Fairytale’ is a fresh retelling of a classic story,” remarked Director Sequoia Schirmer. “I love this script because it challenges our perceptions of these characters whose stories have been told so many times. Each character has an element layered onto them that I have never seen done before, which brings a unique depth and quirkiness to them.”

Unlike the original fairytale, Cookson and Peck’s version substitutes magical birds for the fairy godmother and shows Ella with a special affinity for the winged creatures, a little like Snow White. The birds are the ones that supply Ella’s gown for the ball and help her with all her chores as well. Ella’s fondness for her bird friends brings her in contact with another bird lover in the woods, who just happens to be the Prince (Ash M.B.). However, she doesn’t make that discovery until the ball.

With a modest budget, Schirmer fashions an interesting production that features set designer Tia Shank’s colorful scrim on vinyl nicely lit by Spense Matubang. Denise Altafer fashioned the costumes including an outrageously clever “gown” for the stepmother to wear to the ball.

The performers do a good job adding a new twist to the iconic characters, especially Dalpaiz, who not only plays the stepsister but also the Queen and one of the birds. Kudos to Town Hall’s education director, Erika March, who stepped into the Prince’s role on opening night with nary a script in hand!

While elements of this production will appeal to children, particularly the “birds” and colorful costumes, it’s geared for an adult audience and not really a children’s show. For tickets, call 925-283-1557 or go to townhalltheatre.com online.

YouthStage show: Berkeley Playhouse is auditioning for its YouthStage Spotlight show “School of Rock,” which will be performed in July 2023 and for which rehearsals begin next June.

Based on the hit movie, the show follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn who poses as a prep school substitute teacher to make extra money. While there, he discovers his straight-A students are very talented and turns them into a rock band to have them enter the Battle of the Bands. Video auditions are due by Jan. 9. Go to berkeleyplayhouse.org for complete information.

Danville: There’s a chance to see a seldom performed Eugene O’Neill play, “The First Man.” Directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes, it will have a “script-in-hand” performance Jan. 13-15 in the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville.

In his play, O’Neill imagines himself an anthropologist who has traveled the world only to end up in the provincial town where he grew up. As with most O’Neill plays, scandals and intrigues lead to a showdown with his family and the community. For more information, go to eugeneoneill.org.

On-demand video: In case you missed the Oakland Theater Project’s “Book of Sand” in-person, you can still see the dynamic performance via video on demand. Lisa Ramirez’s playful magical realism fairy tale tells of a mysterious book from which, as the protagonist reads, stories unfold in a magical dreamscape. Once read, though, the stories disappear forever.

Inspired by Jorge Luis Borges’ 1975 short story, “Book of Sand (a Fairy Tale)” will be available with video on demand through Jan. 3. Go to oaklandtheaterproject.org for tickets.

San Francisco: Theatre Rhinoceros is presenting its own iconic holiday special with Truman Copote’s “A Christmas Memory.” A benefit for the company’s 45th anniversary, the show will be performed Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. only.

Directed by Rica Anderson, the show features Sandra Schlechter in Capote’s fable focusing on country life, friendship and the joy of giving while also touching on loneliness, loss and the importance of companionship. A reception and raffle will follow the performance. Theatre Rhinoceros is at 4229 18th St. in San Francisco. Go to therhino.org for tickets.

Also in S.F.: If you’re looking for some respect, try the queen of that feeling as BroadwaySF celebrates the music of Aretha Franklin. “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” will play Jan. 5-6 for three performances only in the Golden Gate Theatre at 1 Taylor St. in San Francisco.

Sally Hogarty can be reached at sallyhogarty@gmail.com. Read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.