SYNOPSIS

ACT I

As the curtain opens, Cinderella’s two Stepsisters are embroidering a silk scarf. They squabble over who will eventually wear it. A beggar woman appears in the kitchen, and the Stepmother shoos her away. Cinderella tells the old woman that she has no money to give her; but gives her some bread, instead. The Beggar Woman leaves as mysteriously as she arrived.

Unexpectedly, an invitation to the Prince’s Ball arrives. He is seeking out all eligible women to be considered as his bride. The Stepsisters are in a dither because they have nothing to wear. Cinderella’s Stepmother orders the maids to quickly purchase new gowns for the sisters. Then the Dancing Master is called in for a last-minute polish to the Stepsisters’ technique.

The Stepsisters leave for the ball, leaving Cinderella behind only to dream of what it must be like to attend a Royal Ball. Her friends, the cat and some little mice all dance with her to try to get her spirits up. Then the old Beggar Woman appears again, and this time reveals herself to be Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.

The Fairy Godmother calls on the Fairies of the Four Seasons to dance for Cinderella and bring her gifts. The Fairy of Spring gives Cinderella crystal dancing slipper, the Fair of Summer brings her a golden cloak, the Fairy of Autumn brings a pumpkin which the Fairy Godmother weaves a magic spell to change it into a carriage, and the Fairy of Winder offers Cinderella a beautiful crown. The Fairy Godmother then summons little Sprites and Butterflies to remind Cinderella that she must be home by midnight when the magic spell will end. The Fairies of the Four Seasons and Magickal Spirits dance a waltz and send Cinderella on her way to the ball.

INTERMISSION (15 Minutes)

ACT II

The Royal Court awaits the arrival of the prince, whom it is said will make his choice for a bride this evening. When the Prince arrives, he is bored with the girls he finds, especially the Stepsisters whom he finds particularly appalling. Oranges, priceless treasures, are given to the two sisters. Then there is a hush and the Fairies and their cortege of Elementals enter the ballroom hailing Cinderella’s arrival. The Prince falls immediately in love with her but before he can discover her name, the clock strikes twelve and the beautiful girl dashes up the staircase leaving one of her dainty, crystal slippers behind.

INTERMISSION (15 Minutes)

ACT III

Cinderella wakes up the morning after the ball and relives each wonderful moment with the Prince. After her Stepsisters go through their usual morning routine of making her life miserable, the Prince and his entourage suddenly arrive at the house, having been going door to door trying to find the girl whose foot fits the crystal slipper.

He finds Cinderella, all the Fairies and Magickal creatures rejoice, and of course, they live happily ever after.