LEWISTON — Enchantment from beginning to end makes “Cinderella” a must-see show for youngsters and the young at heart.

This Community Little Theatre  presentation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is a delightful treat for eye and ear. It continues on the Lewiston Middle School stage with performances on Nov. 10-13.

“Cinderella” has a large cast that includes preschoolers to retirees. It has big beautiful sets and some thrilling special effects. Any of these challenges could lead to production shortcuts or inattention to some minor roles, but not in this show. Director Mitchell Clyde Thomas draws out the best in every performer, from an excellent portrayal of Cinderella by Kristin Korda to some adorable white mice and a curious cat played by some very young and promising performers.

The play opens with a simple prologue in which the Fairy Godmother shows how a young Cinderella lost her parents. Within a couple of minutes the curtain parts to reveal a colorful marketplace filled with happy villagers. It’s a spectacular opening that draws lots of oohs and aahs from the audience, and it sets a high standard that is maintained right to the finale.

A Rodgers and Hammerstein score has a recognizable style, and “Cinderella” has many familiar songs. As soon as you hear the first notes of “In My Own Little Corner,” it’s evident that Korda, a 19-year-old college sophomore from Saco, will do admirably in the role made famous by Julie Andrews in a landmark 1957 television broadcast.

James Kramlich, who has appeared in 10 CLT shows in the last four years, turns in a fine portrayal as Prince Christopher. Among the duets he performs with Korda are “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?,” “The Sweetest Sounds” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”

Some sidesplitting comedy is provided by the two stepsisters, Grace (Crystal Packard) and Joy (Jacquelyn Mansfield). The clowning is a highlight of the production, topped off by their hilarious rendition of “Stepsisters’ Lament.”

Jason Pelletier delivers a solid performance as Lionel, royal steward and friend of the prince. He adds good comedic flavor in several spots, including his official announcement in song to the villagers that “The Prince Is Giving a Ball.”

Tiffany Warren waves a wonderful magic wand in her key role as the Fairy Godmother. It’s near the end of Act One in the pumpkin patch when she tells Cinderella, “I’m made of all of your most beautiful hopes and dreams and wishes.” In two of the show’s most memorable songs, she convinces Cinderella that going to the ball is not “Fol-De-Rol” and a golden carriage with white horses is not “Impossible.” The act ends with the transformation scene and the magical appearance of the carriage and Cinderella’s beautiful gown.

Warren’s powerful gospel-tinged rendition of “There’s Music in You” with the entire company at the finale wraps up a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Other fine performances are delivered by Megan Guynes as Cinderella’s stepmother and Dan Crawford and Tracy Kapocius as the king and queen. Crawford and Guynes do very well with their duet, “Boys and Girls Like You and Me.”

The backstage crew provided a grand staircase in the palace and a colorful and whimsical set for the stepmother’s living room where the mice and cat keep Cinderella company. Three of the cute mice are Sophia Baskett, Laura Jacques and Ethan Rombalski, who are about third-grade age. The fourth mouse is Hailey Turcotte, a prekindergarten. Charles, the slinky stage-roaming cat, is Elias Edward Thomas, a third-grader.

The excellent choreography is by Eileen Messina. Paul G. Caron, music director, and his nine-piece orchestra give the audience and singers a balanced sound.

Chiara Ferrante and her team dress the cast in lovely costumes. Katie St. Pierre is producer and Nakesha “Kay” Myrick is assistant director. Jacob Spellman is technical director and stage manager, and members of the Edward Little High School Drama Club are assisting with the production.

CLT invites audience members to come on-stage after each performance for photo opportunities with the golden carriage, made specifically for this production by McCann Fabrication of New Gloucester.

Remaining shows

WHAT: “Cinderella”

WHO: Community Little Theatre

WHEN: Nov. 10-13; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Lewiston Middle School Auditorium, Central Ave., Lewiston

TICKETS: 783-0958 or www.laclt.com