"The Ash Girl," at Connelly Theater The play, written by Timberlake Wertenbaker and directed by Jessika Doyel, doesn't comment coyly on its source, the Cinderella story. But its morbid turns, philosophical digressions and florid, often verselike syntax make it better suited to adults than to children. In the title role, Meagan Kensil is appropriately wan and waiflike, abused by her wicked stepsisters (Jenny Donheiser and Rebecca Schoffer) and stepmother (Nicole Spiezio). But when she goes to the ball of Prince Amir (the swarthy Ian Lassiter) - thanks to the Fairy in the Mirror (Arielle Siegel) - her eyes beam with ardent wonder. A flirtatious palace pas de deux opening the second act is a delight. Meanwhile, in the forest, a menagerie embodying most of the deadly sins - with names like Angerbird (Erica Genereux Smith, a burst of fiery tresses) and Slothworm (Megan Linde, a font of amusing one-liners about indolence) - gathers, intent on possessing the principals. Jeffrey Toombs's lighting peppers shadows with glowing surfaces, and Andy Yanni's set, comprising four stages, suggests an arboreal thicket. Abbey Steere's costumes, a strangely cohesive blend of Gothic black, silken finery and Cossack uniforms, complement the fantastical ambience. Ms. Wertenbaker's script only occasionally grazes profundity. It's the crew contributions - and the spirited cast - who supply the magic.