Like ‘Game of Thrones’? Then you’ll love ‘Game of Tiaras’

PARADISE — “Game of Thrones” meets Disney princesses meets Shakespeare’s “King Lear” in Theatre on the Ridge’s upcoming production of “Game of Tiaras.”

When the aging king of a magical kingdom decides to divide up his empire between his three daughters –Cinderella, Belle and the Snow Queen — terrible, hilarious tragedy ensues.

“Game of Tiaras” was directed by Marina Kalani and assistant directed by Joni Dunlap. It was written by Don Zolidis.

“We are thrilled to present this unique and hilarious twist on the classic Shakespearean tale,” said Dunlap. “‘Game of Tiaras’ follows the Machiavellian machinations of a royal family as they relentlessly vie for control of the throne. As sibling rivalries, secret alliances, cunning betrayals and a midlife crisis unfold, we hope you will find yourself drawn into a world where ambition and intrigue reign supreme as the body count mounts.”

Dunlap has enjoyed working with the cast and crew immensely.

“We got to spend the last two months with a remarkable group of actors and crew members who have brought to life this fantastical story,” she said. “We have cherished every moment spent in creative collaboration with this dynamic group of people — some seasoned and some new to the stage. It has been a joy to experience the development of this production together, and we so appreciated their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the rehearsals.”

Melodie Ellison plays Cinderella, a role she described as “the king’s oldest and meanest daughter.” Ellison majored in theater at Chico State and graduated in 2011. She worked backstage in plays at Chico State and acted in Butte College shows when she was a student there. She also sang in California Regional Theater’s recent production of “Best of Broadway.”

Ellison loves working with the cast and crew of “Game of Tiaras,” her first show at TOTR.

“It’s my first show at TOTR,” she said.

“There are people in the cast who I really wanted to work with and never had the opportunity,” she said, adding: “This cast is just great, and the people of TOTR are such a great community.”

Ellison also enjoys working with Kalani and Dunlap, saying, “It’s been so long since I worked with an all-female partnership. It’s really kind of refreshing, and the environment feels really safe.”

Ellison said she had wanted to study theater since she was 2 years old, when she saw the movie version of “Annie.”

“That’s what I always wanted to do,” she said. “It’s always been what I wanted to be a part of.”

‘Fun time’

Annaliese “Annie” Kuhn plays the Little Mermaid, a dwarf and a castle guard in the show. A graduate from Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, Kuhn was recruited to be part of “Game of Tiaras,” which she described as “hilarious and the least serious show I’ve ever been a part of. It’s so funny. The writing is really creative.”

Kuhn said the show is not exactly meant for children, but parents can bring their kids knowing there isn’t any foul language or other non-kid-friendly things in the play.

“They just have to know there are a lot of deaths,” she said. “But it is tragedy mixed with comedy and is silly and classic.”

Kuhn started out doing children’s theater at Chico Theater Company. Her first show was playing a jitterbug in a production of “Wizard of Oz.” Recalled Kuhn: “I got to dance with Dorothy, and I thought I was so special!”

She enjoyed the process of working on this show.

“When we got the whole cast together, it was such a fun time,” Kuhn said. “I enjoyed carpooling up the hill with other cast members, blasting show tunes. The directing team is really encouraging. It’s a very good environment.”

Kuhn has stage-managed and worked as assistant director for some shows, although she most enjoys acting.

“It’s so rewarding to hear laughter,” Kuhn said, and loves singing a parody of “Part of Your World” in “Game of Tiaras.” She said the show is not technically a musical, but there are two songs sung in the second act.

“Game of Tiaras” opens April 4 and runs through April 21. Tickets can be bought at www.totr.org or by calling 530-877-5760. The theater is located at 3735 Neal Road in Paradise. Staff can be reached via email at theatreridge@gmail.com. Judith Clemens is the theater’s executive director. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There are Sunday matinees April 7, 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.