Photo Flash: First Look at Ragtag Theatre Company's THE COMMEDIA CINDERELLA

Ragtag Theatre Company, is a Commedia dell' Arte troupe residing at The Soho Playhouse dedicated to creating fresh and unique live LGBTQ theatre designed specifically for the entire family. Think DRAG for kids. In short, they do fairytales. But not yo mama's fairytales -- they do fractured fairytales that spoof and riff off of pop culture... (much like Animaniacs or Shrek), and they do it all in the style of Commedia dell'Arte, which is an early style of Italian street theatre that incorporates big funny characters, improvisation, and direct audience involvement all in one. All of the company's shows are audience interactive and the kids integrated into every performance.

Ultimately, their goal is to make you laugh and create a safe space where you can be yourself and #beweird with all of us. The company hopes to empower and inspire all youngins (especially LGBTQ youth) and grown folk alike to embrace what makes them different.

The LGBTQ element comes not only from the message of self-love or the gender fluid approach to story telling, but also from a contemporary drag esthetic and nod to LGBTQ culture. "The Commedia Cinderella," features the Fairy Godmother, in full drag, roller-skating out and lip-syncing to Xanadu, a Carol Channing impersonator singing a janky version of "Tale As Old As Time" from Beauty and the Beast, and a stepmother who quotes "Mommie Dearest."

With the characters they bring to life on stage, Ragtag Theatre Company is encouraging fuller acceptance of all people, with a particular focus on gender expression and self-love. Much of the company's outreach is to the LGBTQ community and their families.