Environmentalist wanted

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” chronicles how a prince puts a pea under 20 mattresses and 20 feather beds to see if a woman he took in as a guest is sensitive enough to feel it. Why? To see if she’s a princess he can marry, because only a princess could be that sensitive.

What could be tougher than that? How about a “Real OC” woman who won’t judge you by the kind of car you drive?

That’s the central premise behind an update on Andersen’s classic story, “The Princess and the Prius,” a variety show that will raise money for Children’s Hospital of Orange County this weekend. The cast of 93 will take the stage for the 12th annual CHOC Follies at Orange Coast College.

“In this story, the main character is looking for a girl who is an environmentalist,” Director John Vaughan said. “He drives a Prius in order to find ‘the one’ in Orange County who doesn’t care about [luxury] cars and material things and will happily ride around in it with him.”

It’s entertaining and funny, but what’s most fun about this production is seeing friends and neighbors going outside of their comfort zone and singing and dancing for a good cause.”

The musical numbers are also parodies of modern-day pop songs.

Gloria Zigner, CHOC Follies producer, said proceeds from this year’s performance will support a new schoolroom at the hospital, which will allow children to continue their education while they are seeking medical care. She said the event has earned a reputation as one of the county’s most original, successful charity events.

“In order to be a part of the show, each cast member agrees to raise $750,” she said. “We’ve netted more than $4 million in the past 11 years.”

This year’s performance has already earned $400,000 in sponsorship and major donations.

Established in 1964, CHOC’s vision and mission is to achieve national recognition as a premier children’s hospital which nurtures, advances and protects the health and well-being of children. IF YOU GO

WHAT: CHOC Follies XII: The Princess and the Prius

WHEN: Premiere’s at 8 tonight

WHERE: Robert B Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College, 2710 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa

INFO: Tickets range between $35 and $125 depending on seating. The $125 ticket includes a post-show cast party Friday or Saturday night. All seats are reserved and group sales are available. Call (714) 532-8690 for information or to purchase tickets. Parking is free.