I grew up with Cinderella. I read most of its versions and watched its adaptation on the movies and in television. I didn't get to see the one starred by Julie Andrews though. It was first aired on TV in 1957 and was viewed by 107,000,000 people—the largest audience to date.
When I heard it was Lea Salonga who would bring the cinder girl to life on stage, I was ecstatic. A Filipina will play the role of my favorite fairy tale character? A leg of the production will run here in Manila? Awesome!
The story opens with a young girl scrubbing the floor. In the small room, there is a pail of water, a wooden bed, and a broomstick. She lives in scarcity, but her heart is brimming with much enthusiasm.
She's a "sweet child and kind," and she even feeds the rats. Despite her never-ending chores, the cinder girl has always been optimistic. She usually daydreams and hopes that "the deepest longing in the world is waiting somewhere."The Fairy Godmother, played by Charlie Parker, enters the scene. She's tall, robust, witty, and quite a tease. She usually joins Cinderella in her reverie, and serves as the girl's alter ego.
The Prologue recaps with the Fairy Godmother narrating Cinderella's rich history, which dates back to 9th century China. The backdrop changes and the projection and light effects create a striking impact!
The first scene is at the Town Square. Hark the Herald, a representative from the palace, announces: "The Prince is giving a ball!" This gets the whole town excited.
A few minutes later, everyone begins practicing the waltz for the ball. The moment calls for a high level of energy, and the vendors, maids, and patrons engage in a well-choreographed dance!
This is also where the formidable trio—the stepmother and the two stepsisters—is introduced.
Julia Cook, the stepmother, inquires about the commotion. Upon learning that Prince Christopher will be giving a ball, she becomes excited for her daughters, Portia (Jen Bechter) and Joy (Brandy Zarle).
Cinderella, who is carrying tons of boxes, hears about it and starts wishing she can go to the ball, too.
The next scene shows Cinderella running around in circles to follow the orders of her step-family. One asks for a cup of tea, the other demands that the window—which keeps on opening—be closed; the orders are all coming at the same time.
Then, the three start talking about their preparations for the big event. What are they going to wear? How are they going to introduce themselves to the prince?
Meeting the prince is a big deal to the mom. Her family is broke, and she's out to win the heart of Prince Christopher for either Portia or Joy. To make sure everything will turn out well, she asks her daughters to rehearse their lines and curtsies. This scene is ridiculously hilarious!
In the fairy tales, the step-family is really wicked, making the life of Cinderella hell. But in this musical version, the comic antics of the three ladies become a good contrast to the forlorn scenes of Lea.
The next part leads in to the Royal Dressing Room. Enter the King and Queen, played by Jefferson Slinkard and Janna Cardia, respectively.
