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.”
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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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Character Portrayals
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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.
Key Terms
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
The “Golden Age Musical” refers to Broadway shows written roughly between the 1940s and 1960s, a period known for integrating songs, story, and character development. These musicals often balanced romance, comedy, and social themes with memorable melodies and large ensembles. Classics from this era continue to shape the foundation of modern musical theatre.
An “I Want Song” is a number, usually placed early in a musical, where a main character expresses their deepest desire or ambition. This song sets the character’s journey in motion and gives the audience a clear emotional stake in the story. It has become one of the most recognizable and enduring conventions of musical theatre structure.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
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