Overview
Synopsis
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s enchanting adaptation of the timeless fairytale, Cinderella, was their only musical originally composed for television. When the television program, starring Julie Andrews as Cinderella, first aired in 1957, it was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium at that time. Since then, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has continued to charm audiences in productions on stage and on television. Based upon the classic fairy tale, and particularly the French version Cendrillon ou la Petite Pantoufle de Verre, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s adaptation brings new life to the story of a young woman forced into servitude who dreams of – and achieves – a better life. Cinderella features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”
Show Information
- Book
- Oscar Hammerstein II
- Music
- Richard Rodgers
- Lyrics
- Oscar Hammerstein II
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 1957
- Genres
- Comedy, Romance, Fairy Tale/Fantasy
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- long ago, in a kingdom far away
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Late Teen, Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly, Child Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Cinderella is the only Rodgers and Hammerstein musical originally written for television. There have been three different televised broadcasts: a 1957 production starring Julie Andrews, a 1965 production starring Lesley Ann Warren, and a 1997 production starring Brandy.
The Cinderella musical has also been adapted for the stage in a number of versions, including a pantomime adaptation performed on the London West End, a New York City Opera production that follows the original television
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Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
Songs
Act One
- Overture – Orchestra
- The Prince Is Giving a Ball – Herald and Chorus
- Cinderella March – Orchestra
- In My Own Little Corner – Cinderella
- The Prince Is Giving a Ball (reprise) – Chorus
- Your Majesties (Royal Dressing Room Scene) – King, Queen, Chef and Steward
- In My Own Little Corner (reprise) – Cinderella
- Impossible; It's Possible – Cinderella and Fairy Godmother
Act Two
- Gavotte – Orchestra
- Ten Minutes Ago – Prince and Cinderella
- Stepsisters' Lament – Stepsisters
- Waltz for a Ball – Chorus
- Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful? – Prince and Cinderella
Act Three
- When You're Driving Through the Moonlight – Cinderella, Stepmother and Stepsisters
- A Lovely Night – Cinderella, Stepmother and Stepsisters
- The Search – Orchestra
- Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful? (Reprise) – Prince
- Wedding – Orchestra
- Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful? (Reprise) – Chorus
Unlike the three-act television version, the 2013 Broadway production is performed in two acts with additional songs, including "Me, Who Am I?", "Now Is the Time" (cut from South Pacific), "The Pursuit", "Loneliness of Evening" (cut from South Pacific, and featured in the 1965 broadcast), and "There's Music in You".
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A version of a work modified from another medium or language, making it suitable for a new performance context.
A narrative song or poem often used in musical theatre and opera to convey story and emotion through melody.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
Broadway musicals from the 1940s–60s, known for integrating plot and song, such as *Oklahoma!* and *The Sound of Music*.
A staple of musical theatre where the protagonist expresses a deep personal desire, setting the emotional tone for the narrative.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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