Actress Ashley Ingersoll likes the prep work of rehearsals as much as the curtain calls.

"I feel like, if you're putting in all the work to do a show, you should commit to the final product. The accomplishment is part of the fun," said Ingersoll, 17, a Punahou School senior who has the title role in Diamond Head Theatre's "Cinderella," premiering tonight.

She knows the drill, having been in productions of "Pippin," "Godspell" and "The Mikado." With rehearsals and performances at night, she does her homework during the school day. "I'm fortunate to have a really flexible schedule," Ingersoll said. "I even nap in the afternoon."

The rehearsal process also allows her to meet people and cultivate friendships. "That's the best part of theater," she said.

Although she hasn't yet decided on acting as a career, she's thinking about a New York college after graduation, to be in the middle of the Broadway action. If she doesn't take the theater path, she'd consider communications, writing or Latin American studies.

We asked her Five Questions about Cinderella, the iconic fairy- tale princess:

Q. What is your first recollection of "Cinderella," and how did the character play out in your life as a child?

A. I remember we had this tape of "Cinderella," the Rodgers and Hammerstein version, so I watched this as a kid, singing along. I was probably 5 or 6, but I loved it. I liked the Disney (animated) version, too, but I'm pretty sure I saw the Rodgers and Hammerstein one first.

Q. Why do you suppose Cinderella, and other classic fairy-tale princesses, are still in vogue today?

A. I think for every generation, girls need to find these princess characters so they can identify with them. Of course, the gender-role thing has changed with time. Cinderella might have depended on friends; Mulan is a lot more aggressive. But I never was Cinderella at Halloween; I was the wicked witch. More fun. (Laughs.)

Q. Have you learned anything new or different about the character since inhabiting her soul with your spirit?

A. I've gotten in touch with my nicer side; I'm not an outspoken person, not a demanding person. I see that in Cinderella, too; she's resourceful, dependable and strong — qualities that I've been able to incorporate in myself, as I put myself in her soul.

Q. Is there a Prince Charming in your life now? If not, what qualities would you seek in a beau?

A. Yes, there is. (There's a smile in her voice.) We've been dating for about five months. Right now, I think a sense of humor is important. And flexibility. He was scared when I had to do "Cinderella," but he acts, too, so he's coming around. He's also doing a couple of short plays my friend is directing at Punahou.

Q. What would you wish for, if you had a Fairy Godmother, in a happily-ever-after life?

A. If I had a Fairy Godmother ... (she's quiet for a few seconds). I really don't know. I really think I've got everything I could ask for now.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.