Nansemond River High School’s drama club is gearing up to bring “Cinderella” to the stage this month.

According to the school’s performing arts director, Joleen Neighbours, the classic tale of fairies, evil stepsisters and a slipper is the perfect fit for a family holiday musical after “Alice in Wonderland” last year.

Public performances in the Nansemond River auditorium are at 7 p.m. from Dec. 11 through Dec. 13. Tickets at the door will cost $5 for students, Suffolk Public Schools staff and ages 4 and under and $10 for everyone else.

In what Neighbours says is an increasingly important part of the school’s performing arts program, the drama students will also stage free matinee performances for elementary and home-school students on Thursday and Friday next week.

“To see the interaction between the older and younger children is priceless,” Neighbours said. “That’s what this is all about — good role-modeling.”

Including on the stage and behind the scenes, the production involves almost 70 students, including two student choreographers, Brittany Johnson and Myranda Hill, student co-director Emily Hunter and student technical director Kenny Galderisi.

“I’m supposed to be teaching them, and I teach absolutely everything,” Neighbours said. “When they leave here, I want them to be able to go to any performing arts program, or straight into any college program, and be prepared.”

Two of the stars are Sydney Pressley, who has been vice president and president of the Virginia Theater Association, and Lauren Smith, new to the stage, both of whom are playing the title character.

Pressley said the musical is coming together despite “a limited number of days to get it done.”

“It’s actually going pretty well,” she added.

Smith said the experience had been positive so far. “It’s really fun,” she said. “I’m glad I did it. It’s a great experience to have.”

Savannah Miller plays the stepmother, and Elizabeth Foshe and Amy Rice the two stepsisters.

“It’s definitely fun, because I get the chance to be evil,” Miller said.

Rachel Josey plays the fairy godmother. “I’m really excited, because it’s one of my first leads, and I feel it’s a very important role because without the fairy godmother, there wouldn’t be Cinderella,” Josey said.