On March 7-8, the Missouri Southern theatre department will present a production of Straw into Gold: The Classic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin by Sally Netzel, directed by Sam Claussen. Performances will be held in the Taylor Performing Arts Center at 2:30 p.m.

Straw into Gold is an adaptation of the classic tale of Rumpelstiltskin. A poor kitchen maid is put in a position where she is to work for the queen to make straw into gold, or face punishment.

She makes a deal with a mischievous troll, Rumpelstiltskin, who will do the task for her, but must get something in return. When it comes time to pay her dues, the girl barters with the troll yet again to protect her firstborn child.

“I think everyone will love it,” said Claussen. “It’s a classic fairytale, and in today’s world of computer games and videos on your phone, it’s good to come see a real live performance with the magic of a classic fairy tale.”

The theatre department will also perform for area schools on campus March 4-6, doing two performances a day.

“You have to get through to the kids, which is hard because we are competing against some of the best video games and cartoons that are amazing now,” said Cameron Lopez, sophomore theatre major, playing the role of Prince Philip.

Although Claussen and Lopez believe that competing with modern technology individuals have access to today may be a challenge, they both trust everyone will enjoy the show.

“It’s different than cartoons because it’s interactive. You’re going to see real people in real time dealing with real situations and real problems,” said Lopez. “It’s really great because unlike reading a fairy tale to someone, these characters can somewhat jump off the page and you can see them. It’s 3D. It’s alive, and anything can happen, and that is exciting, even if you’re not a kid.”