PARADISE-For the last 20 years, Ruth Winkler has been putting on plays at Paradise Elementary School. After a fire burned down her home and all the costumes for the latest play, there were questions about whether the play could continue. With the help of volunteers from the community, Winkler kept the streak alive and was able to put on “Cinderella.”

Winkler was able to get costumes from a variety of sources. She rented costumes from Ronan Middle School and found some at “Little Bitterroot.” Shirley King helped make costumes along with some of the mothers who made them for their kids. There were also some costumes that were given to use by Mary Lou Hermes, who has a big collection in her attic.

This play had been in production since September. Winkler looked through dozens of scripts. A big factor in the decision is whether or not it will included everybody.

“I try to do a musical where all the kids take part in the chorus and sing,” said Winkler. “That way you never need to turn kids down.”

She decided on Cinderella because it hadn’t been performed at the school for over ten years.

Although there was some resistance by the boys at doing Cinderella, she eventually got them to come around by adding sword fighting into the script. There was one catch.

“I told them you can’t sword fight unless you sing and dance,” said Winkler.

Besides the students in the play, Winkler is fortunate enough that former students of hers are able to be a part of the play and fill the adult roles in the play.

“I can always count on them to be there,” said Winkler.

Even though Winker lost her scripts and costumes in the house fire, that will not stop her from continuing to put on plays for Paradise School and the community.

“The kids love it,” said Winkler. “I love dong it as long as the kids are happy and having fun doing it.”