Cinderella

The Story

PROLOGUE
Funeral
Cinderella and her Father are at the graveside of her recently buried Mother. They mourn their loss together and her Father is distressed beyond measure.  He ponders how he will raise his daughter alone.  A woman approaches him and offers solace and compassion.  She understands his grief.  She has two daughters of her own whom she raises by herself.  He feels comforted by her and over time they decide to marry.  That commitment will change Cinderella’s life forever.

ACT I
Scene One: The Residence
Cinderella’s Stepmother keeps Cinderella busy with endless chores while pampering her own two daughters.  In a private moment, Cinderella seeks out a portrait of her own mother and the memories provide contentment and happiness.  Her Father enters and discovers a sleeping Cinderella dreaming of her childhood.  He is reminded of his beautiful first wife when he sees the portrait.  Cinderella awakens and comforts her swooning Father as the memories stir him. Their reverie is interrupted by the entrance of the two manic Stepsisters who wreak chaos.  Suddenly and unexpectedly, a mysterious old woman enters and Cinderella serves her tea and comforts her.  The old woman is grateful and bids her exit.

Two messengers from the King’s Court enter with a proclamation announcing a grand ball at the castle to introduce the Prince to the fairest ladies in the land.  The Stepmother acts immediately and insists her husband gather merchants to the house to adorn her daughters for the ball.  There is an ensuing flood of activity which includes wig makers and a dancing master.  Finally when all is quiet, Cinderella wonders if she might be able to attend the ball also.  Her Father suggests she could wear one of her mother’s lovely dresses for the ball, which he has thoughtfully kept for Cinderella.  They begin to dance together and Cinderella imagines herself at the ball.  Later, the two Stepsisters discover Cinderella in the beautiful ball gown and angrily destroy the dress.  Cinderella is in despair.

Scene Two: An Enchanted Place
As before, the mysterious old woman enters and everything begins to change.  We discover that the old woman is actually a Fairy Godmother.  Suddenly, Cinderella begins to feel that something quite magical and enchanting is taking place.  It seems there are fairies everywhere and extraordinary things are happening.  Cinderella might just be attending the ball after all. 

ACT II
Scene One: The Grand Ballroom
Guests are arriving by the droves and there is excitement in the air.  The guests, especially the young ladies, are eager to greet the Prince.  There is lots of expectation and enthusiasm.  Included among the guests are the Stepmother and her daughters.

The Prince enters and welcomes the guests, and is immediately put upon by the Stepsisters.  They are each eager to impress.  Just as the Prince begins to feel flustered by their attention, something strange yet wonderful occurs.  Time and space is altered as the Fairy Godmother begins to prepare Cinderella’s entrance.  And what an entrance it is!  The Prince is completely enraptured with the beautiful young lady, our Cinderella.   The two of them embrace in a dance that seems eternal.  The guests are astonished by the young couple who appear to be swept into the air; soaring and swirling around the ballroom. 

Scene Two: Midnight
The entire ballroom is full of movement.  The atmosphere is sparkling, vivacious, and filled with laughter.  All are happy.  When the clock begins to strike twelve, Cinderella freezes.  In a moment she is scampering out of the ballroom, leaving the Prince confused and dismayed.  As the Prince ascends the steps he gets a glimpse of a carriage thundering down the road and it disappears.  When he returns to the ballroom to get help he discovers a crystal slipper.  It is one of Cinderella’s shoes, and it still shimmers in his hand.  He vows to find the young lady who wears this shoe and hold her forever.

ACT III
Scene One: Searching for Cinderella
The search for Cinderella is an earnest one.  The Prince is desperate to find her.

Scene Two: The Residence
Cinderella is alone, somewhat exhausted and bewildered.  She knows in her heart she will never be the same.  Her experience at the ball has deeply moved her, and she has met someone that she is compelled to dedicate her life to.  She feels destined and determined to be with the Prince. 

The house begins to stir and the Stepsisters also reminisce about the ball.  Then, to their delight, the Prince and his cortege enter the house looking for the owner of the crystal slipper.  Each of the Stepsisters in turn tries vainly to convince the Prince they are the owner of the foot that fits the shoe.  Awe, but alas, the Prince notices a young lady.  She appears modest in her clothes; however her pretty face and eyes remind him of someone.  Could it be?  He tries the crystal slipper on her foot and it is a perfect fit.  They are reunited in their love, with a little help from the Fairy Godmother who transforms the scene into a starry night.  Our beloved Cinderella’s dream comes true.  She is united with the Prince and they will live happily ever after.

About the Choreographer

About the Composer