It varies slightly from the two movie versions and it is happening in Des Moines.

The effervescent comic love story, “Sabrina Fair,” will be performed at the Des Moines Playhouse, Oct. 25 through Nov. 10.

“Although the play varies from the two movie versions, the play has some additional characters that make it very funny,” Marketing and Public Relations Director Lee Ann Bakros said.

“Sabrina Fair” is the Cinderella tale of the chauffeur’s daughter who returns from a stay in Paris a sophisticated young woman. Still nursing a childhood crush for her father’s employer’s youngest son, Sabrina bursts into the Larabee’s privileged lives. The question is, can the girl from the wrong side of the lawn find love among the well-to-do?

This witty romantic comedy is the basis for both the 1954 motion picture starring Audrey Hepburn and the 1995 remake with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond. Familiar faces among this cast of talented veteran performers include Jack Mishler, Joanna Mishler, Kate Foskit and, as Sabrina, Sara Mishler Houghton.

“The appeal to the movie is the cast. The well known actors and actresses give the movie its fame,” Houghton said. “This story is more complex. I don’t mean to say this to take away from the movie, but it is interesting to see the change. It is a dramatic change.”

The story line is the same, Houghton said, but the play “Sabrina Fair” has better dialogue. “The dialogue and characters are more developed than what they ever were in the movie,” Houghton said. “It is interesting that this play even has the same name. Only a handful of the same lines are used.”

The role as Sabrina is the biggest role Houghton has had since her days as a Cyclone. “The last time I did a lead role was my freshman year at Iowa State University,” she said. “My role as Sabrina is definitely my biggest lead. Sabrina is such a youthful, bubbly and engaging character which makes this part very fun for me.”

One thing that makes Houghton’s role as Sabrina unique is that her father and stepmother are also part of the cast of “Sabrina Fair.” Houghton said it was her family’s encouragement that spurred her to try out for the role.

“It is a real delight to work with them,” she said of her parents/colleagues. “They are spectacular. They are what made me audition for this play.”

Houghton said her father and stepmother are professional, but still a joy to work with. “My dad is one of those people with life on stage. He is fun and spectacular to watch. Also, my stepmother is just a delight on stage,” Houghton said.

Houghton added the comedy makes for good family entertainment.

“‘Sabrina Fair’ is lighthearted and fun. Many plays performed here at the Playhouse are so serious,” she said. “This play is a time to get away from that. It is definitely some fun at the theater.”

The Des Moines Playhouse is located at 831 42nd St. Tickets may be purchased at the Playhouse.