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 Step-Mother 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
- Let's Get Loud – Ensemble
- California Gurls – The Step-Sisters
- Just Haven’t Met You Yet – Prince Charming
- Just Dance – Company
- Taking Chances – Cinderella
- Breakaway – Cinderella
- When You Believe – Fairy Godmother
Act 2
- Low – Ensemble
- Need You Now – Prince Charming and Cinderella
- Somewhere over the Rainbow – Cinderella and Buttons
- All I Want For Christmas – Ensemble
Productions
El Portal Theatre 2010
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 shopping centers was carried out to find an actress to play the title role. Celebrity Judges included Neil Patrick Harris.[3] This was the first pantomime seen in California for some time and received positive reviews from the press.[1][4][5]
El Portal Theatre 2011
It was produced in 2011 again at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood starring Fred Willard, and Shoshana Bean as the Fairy Godmother.[6] It again received positive reviews.[7]
Roles and principal cast
| Role | Hollywood 2010 | North Hollywood 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Cinderella | Veronica Dunne | Veronica Dunne |
| Fairy Godmother | Jennifer Leigh Warren | Shoshana Bean |
| Charming | Freddie Stroma | Niko Evers-Swindell |
| Buttons | Benny Harris | Todd Buonopane |
| Baron | Jerry Mathers | Fred Willard |
| Step Sister | Mark Stephens | Eddie Driscoll |
| Step Sister | Mark Stephens | Jeff Sumner |
References
- Mentor, Toms. "Taking panto to La la land". The Stage. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
- Marks, Lisa. "Panto casts its spell on Hollywood". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
- http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Neil-Patrick-Harris-and-judges-announce-Cinderella-Talent-Search-winner-20101009
- Spindle, Les. "Cinderella (review)". Backstage. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
- Foley, F. Kathleen. "heater review: 'Cinderella Christmas' at the El Portal". LA Times. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
- "Wicked Witch Shoshana Bean to Star in Cinderella Christmas at California's El Portal Theatre". Broadway.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
- "Theater review: Cinderella Christmas at the El Portal". LA Times. 2011-12-23.