All week long, about 90 local children have been participating in “Summer Arts at Backus,” which will culminate with a presentation on Saturday.
At 6:30 p.m. on the Backus stage, Prairie Fire Theater will present “Cinderella,” a non-traditional musical production of the fairy tale. But setting the stage prior to the musical will be the 5:30 p.m. Children’s Art Show, featuring the art expressions of 65 local kids from an art-enrichment program.

The musical
A cast of 50 local kids, age 7 and older, will present a variation of Cinderella that features whimsical renditions of “oldies” and other songs. The production is sponsored through the Rainy River Community College Foundation and presented by Prairie Fire Theater. Lisa Simon, coordinator for PFT and RRCC’s College for Kids, said it’s amazing to see the transformation in children who participate. “They come for something to do, and to have fun; but they gain such self esteem. In one week, they are transformed. They learn teamwork and to depend on each other.”
PFT, which produces about eight different plays in a five-state area, has been hired for the third year by the RRCC Foundation. Two PFT residents direct the musical and provide the costumes and props. International Falls is just one of the summer venues for Cinderella directors and recent college graduates, Bob Skosky, a native of St. Louis, and Sara Scronce from Hickory, North Carolina. The pair are also characters in the play.
Many of the local youngsters and teenagers who are participating are repeats, according to Simon. And many are in age range of 10, 11 and 12.
Kassie Doztler will play the role of Cinderella and Ben Shofner will play Prince Charming. The audience will hear songs such as “My Boyfriend’s Back” as well as see “mice on motorcycles.” The musical accompaniment for the hour-long play is recorded.
Simon commented that the presentation is not only for parents and grandparents. “The play is extremely entertaining,” said Simon, “and should be seen by the community.”

The art show
An exhibit of local children’s art will begin the evening’s event.
The week-long afternoon art workshop for kids has also been extremely successful, according to Simon. Sponsored by the Northland Art Society, and made possible in part by a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, the program has the capacity for 65 kids.
“We had to turn some away,” said Simon.
The workshop was led by local artists and went beyond kids’ crafts, Simon added. “We have watercolors and ceramics taught by skilled people. These are experiences that build self esteem.” Simon added that this workshop helps kids find what they have a talent for and may have some occupational value for the future. Overheard were kids declaring “I’m good at this” and “I can do that!”

Cooperation
Simon was appreciative to the Citizens for Backus/AB who facilitated the summer arts program and provided another example of the need for the community center.
“Backus has given us the space for free,” Simon said. “We’ve had full use of the auditorium and the stage all week.”
The summer program is a partnership between the RRCC Foundation, Prairie Fire Theater, the Northland Art Society and Citizens for Backus/AB. Volunteers have also made the week possible, Simon said. She believes that both programs are important especially as the arts become increasingly diminished in schools.
About 45 children cross-participated in both the musical production and the art workshop.
Tickets will be sold at the door and are priced at $8 for adults and $5 for students.