The last thing the theater teachers at PS 264 in Bay Ridge would ever want to do is diss Disney. Three years ago, they were awarded a prestigious grant that allowed them to produce three Disney musicals for free. The company also provides the script, score, CDs and all other manner of support. For the final production, theater teacher Lindsey Jones-McAdams chose the musical “Cinderella” because it was “a female-driven narrative.” Then she and music teacher Ayah Rifai, who co-wrote the winning grant, realized it was a story more suited to, well, the 1950s. “Reading the script was upsetting,” says Jones-McAdams. She and Rifai decided to use the musical as a springboard for lots of conversations with their students about societal and political changes and the aspirations and achievements of today’s women. “Prince Charming and Cinderella got married, but that could be a euphemism for achieving any goal you have through perseverance and hard work,” says Rifai. “We knew this wasn’t going to be a traditional ‘Cinderella.’” The caveat: No words or music, including the defining song, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” could be changed or the Mouse would roar. Subversion was sprinkled like fairy dust. It’s not what you say, but how you say — or sing — it. A wry delivery here, an arched brow there, a modern neon color set replacing the traditional pastel palette, and the result was a new twist on an old tale. The kids loved the conversations, the camaraderie and the creativity. Some 175 students from the 2nd to 5th grades auditioned — and every single one was chosen, if not for starring roles, then for lighting, costumes, sound, design and every other aspect of a musical production. Their parents helped, too, sewing costumes and painting sets. The cast and crew were thrilled by the standing ovations they received at each of their performances on May 11, 13 and 14. “I watch those three shows and that is where my pride lives,” says Jones-McAdams. “This isn’t something the grown-ups did. We helped facilitate, yes, but this is something our kids did!”