From the creators of “The Sound of Music” and “South Pacific,” the classic story of Cinderella is coming alive on stage once again. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Tony Award-winning version of “Cinderella” will appear at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow on the Ford Center stage.
Attendees should prepare to be sent back in time as they follow the classic story, which is famous for its fairy godmother, glass slipper and carriage ride.
Though the musical follows the classic story, there are many twists throughout. The rags-to-riches fairy tale follows the young Ella who lives with her two stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle, all three of whom are under the care of the horrendous stepmother, Madame.
On the other side of town, Prince Topher is struggling to find a purpose and identity within his father’s kingdom. The prince throws a ball so that he can meet eligible women to potentially marry, and as most people know, the worlds of Prince Topher and Ella collide.
“It is a beloved story, and (it is) appropriate and appealing for all ages. This touring company presents a gorgeous production with a big set and lovely costuming,” said Julia Aubrey, director of the Ford Center.
Aubrey booked “Cinderella” because the musical follows the Ford Center’s theme this season: “Big City Shows in the Comfort of Oxford.”
“There is no need to drive to Memphis when you can see the same production in Oxford,” Aubrey said.
Audiences have been captivated by the story of Cinderella for as long as it has been told and many students claim that the tale brings back the best of memories from childhood.
“‘Cinderella’ was my favorite fairy tale to watch when I was younger,” sophomore Kelsey Schifano said. “I am excited to see this take on ‘Cinderella’ because of the cast and all the rave about the costumes and transformations. I have heard only great things and, in my opinion, it is hard to go wrong with ‘Cinderella.’”
The show will run for a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes, which includes a 20-minute intermission. The cast will perform songs such as the favorites “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “A Lovely Night.”
The rendition of “Cinderella” appearing at the Ford Center was first aired on television in 1957 and was first performed on Broadway in 1961. All music was written by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein.
“The quality of the singing and acting is excellent, and our audiences will be delighted to spend an evening in the beautiful Ford Center theatre and experience this fairy tale,” Aubrey said.
Tickets can be purchased online at fordcenter.org or at the UM Box Office. There will be a 10% discount for faculty, staff and retirees. When purchasing a student ticket, a student ID is required.
