It’s not your mother’s “Cinderella.” It is your father’s “Schoolhouse Rock.”

Colorado’s two most prominent children’s theater companies roll out lavish productions each spring, often with production values that surpass many “mainstage” shows around town.

At the Arvada Center, the youngsters (and their parents) are rocking out to “Schoolhouse Rock Live.” At the Denver Children’s Theatre, they are being introduced to a more realistic Cinderella. And “it’s not Disney,” promises director Billie McBride.

But this year, more than most, there is a wide proliferation of theater for youths, with at least 10 grown-up companies presently staging stories for kids. Among the most prominent are Buntport’s original and ongoing biweekly superhero series, “Trunks,” which completes its fifth season April 24; and the Boulder’s Dinner Theatre “Kids Kabaret” series, which is presenting “Quack, the Ugly Duckling,” through April 17.

Children’s theater is a major piston in the Colorado theater economy. The Arvada Center leads the way with two annual productions that draw a combined audience of about 50,000 a year.

“Schoolhouse Rock Live,” said Arvada Center cast member Amanda Earls, is making new memories for kids and bringing back old ones for their parents. The popular 1970s Saturday-morning cartoon series taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through memorable tunes like “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction” — songs that are seared into their elders’ brains.

“When we’re on stage and happen to look out in the audience, parents and teachers are totally rocking in their seats — for real,” said Earls. “It’s kind of like watching all the women in their 40s at a performance of ‘Mamma Mia.’ They’re so grateful and excited afterward. It’s really awesome.

“Also, this is the first time in the six shows I’ve done here where we are helping kids to learn things from their actual school, versus a show where there are lessons to be learned about humanity or acceptance or forgiveness. ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live’ can really help a child become excited about learning, and I think we’re reminding teachers just how effective learning through songs can be, too.”

The Denver Children’s Theatre, which operates out of the Mizel Center for Arts and Humanities, skews to a slightly older youth demographic. Its “Cinderella” is about a young girl, struggling to cope with the loss of her mother, who learns how to interact with fairly likable stepsisters in less-opulent surroundings.

“It takes place at the end of the black plague,” said McBride. “The stepsisters are not ugly or mean — just not terribly bright. The stepmother tries, but eventually she gets so frustrated with ‘Cindy’ that she does something not very nice to stop her.”

Our Cinderella, McBride said, is actually a bit of a brat herself. “But with a reason,” she said. “And she’s a brunette. And she bites. We cut off toes and heels to make mother happy.”

Like she said, it ain’t Disney.

But this adaptation offers lessons about diversity, coming of age, class struggles and right versus wrong. And it sports a cast of widely honored area actors that includes Karen Slack, Jamie Romero, Mare Trevathan, Brian Landis Folkins and Josh Hartwell.

Roundup of current children’s-theater offerings

“Cinderella” This modern twist on the beloved fairy tale offers a Cinderella who struggles to cope with the loss of her mother and learns how to interact with fairly likable stepsisters in a more modest setting. 1 p.m. Sundays. $8-$9. Through May 2. Presented by the Denver Children’s Theatre at the Mizel Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., 303-316-6360 or mizelcenter.org

“The Fisherman and His Wife” Puppeteer Annie Zook operates up to four marionettes simultaneously in telling gentle, family- friendly stories like this one about good things coming in small packages. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 1 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Recommended for children ages 3 and older. $6. Through April 25. Denver Puppet Theatre, 3156 W. 38th Ave., 303- 458-6446 or denverpuppettheater.com

“The Jungle’s Child” The adventures of Little Frog, a hairless “Man Cub” raised in the jungles of India by a pack of loyal wolves. Little Frog and his beloved jungle brothers grow together and discover the bonds of kinship are not forged by fangs and fur but by the strength of your heart. Inspired by the stories of Rudyard Kipling and adapted by local playwright Theresa Dwyer Reid. Through April 11. Victorian Playhouse, 4201 Hooker St., 303-433-4343 or denvervic.com

“Magic Matinee for Kids of All Ages” Chad Allen performs close-up magic tricks and mysterious audience-participation illusions. 2 p.m Saturdays. $10. Through April 24. Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret, D&F Clock Tower, 16th and Arapahoe streets, 303-293-0075 or lannies.com

“Quack, the Ugly Duckling” A fun adaptation of the famous tale by Hans Christian Anderson, set to 1940s swing music. It’s about a homely little bird born in a barnyard who suffers ridicule from his neighbors until, much to his delight (and their surprise), he matures into the most beautiful bird of all. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and several Saturdays. Through April 17. Boulder’s Dinner Theatre Kids Kabaret, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., 303-449-6000 or bouldersdinnertheatre.com

“Robin Hood” The story of the noble thief, complete with swords and swashbuckling adventure. Children in the audience are called on the stage to help with each performance 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. $5-$6. Through July 10. Heritage Square Music Hall, 18301 W. Colfax Ave., Golden, 303-279-7800 or hsmusichall.com

“Schoolhouse Rock Live” The popular 1970s Saturday-morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs comes to the musical stage. Featuring such beloved “Schoolhouse Rock” songs as “Just a Bill,” “Conjunction Junction,” “Unpack Your Adjectives” and “Do the Circulation.” Through May 15. Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, 720-898-7200 or arvadacenter.org

“The Secret Garden” A spoiled princess reluctantly befriends a frog who magically transforms into a handsome prince. 3 p.m. Saturdays. $5. Through May 1. Jester’s Dinner Theatre, 224 Main St., Longmont, 303-682-9980 or jesterstheatre.com

“The Sword in the Stone” Based on the Arthurian legend, where the magician Merlin declares that a 16-year- old squire nicknamed Wart will pull a sword out of a stone and assume the throne of England. Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.; Sundays at 11 a.m. $6-$8. Through April 25. The 73rd Avenue Theatre Company, 7287 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, 720-276-6936 or the73rdavenuetheatrecompany.com

“Trunks” Buntport Theater’s ongoing, award-winning biweekly serial about three young superheroes (and their parrot) cleaning up the streets of Dendiggityopolis is now in its fifth season. New episodes every other Saturday (next episode March 27), based on audience suggestions. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. $4-$6. Through April 24. 717 Lipan St., Denver, 720-946-1388 or buntport.com

John Moore: 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com