Families looking for a free night of live theater won't need a fairy godmother in July. First United Methodist Church Pasadena is staging Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" for four nights in the Playhouse District, continuing a summer musical tradition the congregation has kept alive for more than 50 years.

All four performances are free. No tickets or reservations required.

The shows run Wednesday, July 22, through Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m. nightly in the church's Great Hall at 500 E. Colorado Blvd., east of Old Town. The production is put on by the church's Drama Committee, which staged "Honk!" last summer.

Thursday, July 23, is designated Family Night, with popsicles for kids in place of the pre-show dinner offered the other three evenings. On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. before the curtain. Suggested donations are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12; reservations for dinner can be made through the church office.

Ashley Slade, the church's communications director, said the program is open to residents throughout Pasadena and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. She can be reached at 626-796-0157 for dinner reservations or questions.

More than 50 years running

First United Methodist was founded in 1874, making it one of the city's oldest congregations. Its free summer musical program has run for more than five decades, according to the church's website. The church has never charged admission for its summer productions.

About the show

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" is the only musical the legendary duo wrote directly for television. It premiered live on CBS on March 31, 1957, starring Julie Andrews, and drew more than 100 million viewers. Songs include "In My Own Little Corner," "Ten Minutes Ago," and "Impossible; It's Possible."

How to go

  • What: Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella"
  • When: Wednesday, July 22, through Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m.
  • Where: First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (Playhouse District)
  • Cost: Free admission; optional pre-show dinner ($20 adults / $10 children under 12) on all nights except Family Night (Thursday, July 23)
  • Contact: Ashley Slade, 626-796-0157

Other upcoming free events in Pasadena

  • Wednesday, July 8: Music at Noon organ recital featuring Makena James, 12:10 p.m., Pasadena Presbyterian Church, 585 E. Colorado Blvd. Free.
  • Wednesday, July 8: Caltech Library Outdoor Movie Night screening "Pride and Prejudice," 8 p.m., Sherman Fairchild Library East Amphitheater. Free.