BOTTINEAU Imagine the energy required to turn 62 lively youngsters, some just out of kindergarten, into the cast required to produce a hilarious junior version of "Cinderella."

That magical feat is being accomplished -- in one short week -- by Missoula Children's Theater directors Josh Laird and Danny Beason, under the sponsorship of the Bottineau Community Theater. Two performances will be shown, at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, in Holwell Auditorium at Bottineau High School.

Lori Erickson, a member of the BCT board, said, "Those who see 'Cinderella' on Saturday won't believe the directors just began Monday morning."

She said Laird, a four-year veteran of the theater group, and Beason, new this year, pulled into town in their little red truck with everything needed, including sets, costumes and scripts. Bottineau and the surrounding community just supplied the actors, with the cast including youngsters from those who just completed kindergarten through the 12th grade.

"Maria Diepolder, who plays Cinderella, is 12," Erickson said. "She is from Willow City and attends school in Bottineau."

Cinderella's stepmother, Justice Beaver, is from Bismarck. The cruel stepsisters, played by Courtney Gallagher and Kennedy Olson, compete for the attention of the king, played by 8-year-old Jayden Handeland, a newcomer to Missoula Children's Theater productions.

"We have two Bismarck youngsters and some from Minot and Jamestown," Peterson said. "They are visiting grandparents here and arranged to be in Bottineau in time for auditions."

The remaining actors play roles as mice, pumpkins and more, she said, including appearances by a cat, a dog, Raggedy Annie and town criers.

This is BCT's fifth year working with the Missoula group, so when Erickson, an elementary teacher, recruited actors in the schools, she could reassure them it was a no-stress situation.

No reservations are needed for Saturday's productions. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for school-age children, with pre-schoolers admitted free of charge.