Imagine, if you will, the classic heroine Cinderella, not just bedeviled by her evil stepmother and equally evil stepsisters, but also cursed with a spell that requires her to always obey what someone says to her.

Like many young women everywhere, the word "no" is not a part of her vocabulary. She is a yo-yo, moving up and down with the whimsical orders of those around her.

That is the story of "Ella Enchanted," yet another moving and delightful First Stage production that carries a profound message wrapped in a story guaranteed to be a fascination to young audience members as well as those who are older and wiser.

This Cinderella is Ella (Alison Pogorelc) who is put under a spell by her fairy godmother Lucinda (the delightfully ditzy Bree Beelow) when she won’t stop the crying that is the default for infants. The casting of the spell is followed by a "stop crying" command which Ella immediately obeys, foreshadowing the rest of her life.

Just like the fairytale we all know so well, there is a wicked stepmother (Niffer Clarke in the second of two parts) and her two daughters, Hattie (a scheming Grace Becker) and Olive (an hilariously stupid Elizabeth Robbins). The stepsisters, of course, have their sights set on Prince Charm (Max Pink) and he, of course, has his sights set on Ella.

The courtship between these two young people proceeds at a gentle pace, marked by song and dance that grab at the heart. These two young lovers are the stuff that romance is made of, and Pogorelc and Pink make the most of it.

The production has a gloriously detailed story, full of ogres and fools and starts and stops to Ella’s life. The music, under the direction of Jeff Schaetzke, captures every nuance of the joys and sorrows of Ella and the dangers and barriers that are a constant threat.

John Maclay directed this production, co-commissioned by First Stage and making its world premiere here. His experienced touch took a very complex book and music and gave it a pathway to each seat in the house.

Pogorelc and Pink are marvelously cast (in the alternating spectacular cast) as the young people on their way to being a couple.

Pogorelc, who is taking her First Stage bow with this performance (she is off to college) is a continuing marvel. She can act, she can sing and she can dance. She will be missed on Milwaukee stages.

Pink is the son of Milwaukee Ballet artistic director Michael Pink and his wife, Jayne, and he is a young man to watch. Perhaps fitting for his lineage, he moves with an interesting sense of purpose. Matt Daniels, who plays a father and ogre, has always been my favorite among actors who have a total grasp of moving on stage. The young Pink seems to be well on his way toward the same thing. He also has a charming voice, although the vocal demands of his role here are slight.

First Stage is an organization in Milwaukee that regularly stretches itself to provide opportunities for women, both as performers and writers. The problem of access for women in the theater is well documented, and First Stage has created some memorable female focused productions, led by "Luchadora" two seasons ago.

"Ella" is destined to join that list, as it clearly delivers a message that saying no is something girls should be free to say to drugs or sexual assault. "No" is the word that proves independence and judgement, things that every young girl deserves.

"Ella Enchanted" runs through May 1 and information on tickets and showtimes is available here.

Production credits: Director, John Maclay; Music Director Jeff Schaetzke; Choreographer, Jessica Beth Redish; Assistant Choreographer, Tommy Novak; Scenic Designer; Jason Coale; Lighting Designer, Jason Fassl; Costume designer, Brandon Kirkham; Stage Manager, Melissa L. Wanke; Assistant Stage Manager, Lauren G Hingold.