A Cinderella Christmas

A Cinderella Christmas is a pantomime version of the fairytale Cinderella, with a book by Kris Lythgoe, using for its score a pastiche of well known pop tunes. It was first produced in 2010 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, California. The music includes songs by Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Katy Perry, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Kelly Clarkson among others. Like other pantomimes, the show includes magic, dancing, singing, acting, audience interactivity and sing-a-long segments.[1][2]

Plot

The story follows the traditional Cinderella fairytale, with some additional characters. Buttons is the Butler to wicked stepmother Baroness Hardup, and is Cinderella’s best friend. As in most pantomimes, the 4th wall is broken by the cast, who encourage the audience to cheer for Cinderella and boo the Wicked Step-Sisters.

Songs

Act 1

Act 2

Productions

El Portal Theatre

It was first produced in 2010 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, California,[2] starring Freddie Stroma, Jerry Mathers and Jennifer Leigh Warren. A nationwide search in conjunction with Westfield Corporation was carried out to cast the title role. Celebrity judges included Neil Patrick Harris.[4] This was the first pantomime seen in California for some time and received positive reviews from the press.[1][5][6]

The show was repeated in 2011, again at the El Portal Theatre, starring Fred Willard, with Shoshana Bean as the Fairy Godmother.[7][3] It again received positive reviews.[8]

Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Playhouse produced the show in 2016.[9] It was directed by Bonnie Lythgoe and choreographed by Spencer Liff, with sets by Ian Wilson and costumes by Florencia M. Carrizo.[9]

Roles and principal cast

Role 2010 2011 2016[9]
Cinderella Veronica Dunne Lauren Taylor
Fairy Godmother Jennifer Leigh Warren Shoshana Bean Alex Newell/Shoshana Bean*
Charming Freddie Stroma Nico Evers-Swindell Kenton Duty
Baroness Hardup Morgan Fairchild
Buttons Benny Harris Todd Buonopane Matthew Patrick Davis
Baron Jerry Mathers Fred Willard
Step Sister Mark Stephens Eddie Driscoll Ben Giroux
Step Sister Jeff Sumner Josh Adamson
Dandini Davi Santos[10]

*Bean played the Fairy Godmother for the December 24 and December 31 performances[11]

References

  1. ^ a b Mentor, Toms. "Taking panto to La la land". The Stage. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  2. ^ a b Marks, Lisa. "Panto casts its spell on Hollywood". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e Gans, Andrew (22 December 2011). "Shoshana Bean and David Hernandez Enjoy A Cinderella Christmas, Beginning Dec. 22". Playbill.
  4. ^ "Neil Patrick Harris and judges announce Cinderella Talent Search winner", BroadwayWorld, October 9, 2010
  5. ^ Spindle, Les. "Cinderella (review)". Backstage. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  6. ^ Foley, F. Kathleen. "Theater review: Cinderella Christmas at the El Portal". LA Times. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
  7. ^ "Wicked Witch Shoshana Bean to Star in Cinderella Christmas at California's El Portal Theatre". Broadway.com. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
  8. ^ "Theater review: Cinderella Christmas at the El Portal". LA Times. December 23, 2011.
  9. ^ a b c Schwartz, Jonas (14 December 2016). "A Cinderella Christmas". TheaterMania. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  10. ^ Grigware, Don. "Review: A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS Lythgoe Family Panto Scores Big". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-02-03.
  11. ^ "Shoshana Bean to Join Pasadena Playhouse's A Cinderella Christmas". TheaterMania. 14 December 2016. Retrieved 2023-02-03.