Cast of Cinderella Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical – A Timeless EnsembleRodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is one of the most beloved adaptations of the classic fairy tale. With its memorable music, heartwarming story, and vibrant characters, this musical has been produced in multiple versions over the years. From the original 1957 television broadcast to the 2013 Broadway revival, the cast of Cinderella has always played a key role in bringing magic to the stage.
Overview of the Musical
The musical was originally written for television and first aired in 1957, starring Julie Andrews in the title role. It was later adapted for the stage and revived for television twice, in 1965 and 1997, each with its own unique cast. The Broadway version premiered in 2013 with a slightly updated book but retained the original songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
The story follows Cinderella, a kind young woman mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she gets the chance to attend the royal ball and win the heart of a prince. Themes of kindness, transformation, and the power of dreams remain central throughout every version.
Key Cast Members from Different Versions
1957 Television Production
The original televised version starred Julie Andrews as Cinderella. At the time, Andrews was already a rising star, known for her incredible vocal range and stage presence.
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Cinderella Julie Andrews
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The Prince Jon Cypher
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Fairy Godmother Edith Adams
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Stepmother Ilka Chase
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Stepsisters Kaye Ballard and Alice Ghostley
This version was a live broadcast and became an instant classic, drawing in millions of viewers across the United States.
1965 Television Remake
In this remake, Lesley Ann Warren took on the lead role, charming audiences with her sweetness and innocence.
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Cinderella Lesley Ann Warren
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The Prince Stuart Damon
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Fairy Godmother Celeste Holm
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Stepmother Jo Van Fleet
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Stepsisters Pat Carroll and Barbara Ruick
The 1965 version was widely distributed and often shown during the holiday season, becoming a cherished family tradition.
1997 Television Version
This groundbreaking production featured a racially diverse cast and a more modern tone, attracting a new generation of fans. Brandy Norwood made history as the first Black actress to play Cinderella in a major adaptation.
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Cinderella Brandy Norwood
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Prince Christopher Paolo Montalban
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Fairy Godmother Whitney Houston
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Stepmother Bernadette Peters
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Stepsisters Natalie Desselle and Veanne Cox
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King and Queen Victor Garber and Whoopi Goldberg
Whitney Houston’s performance as the Fairy Godmother was particularly iconic, both vocally and emotionally. This version received high ratings and acclaim for its inclusive casting and production value.
2013 Broadway Revival
The Broadway version, featuring a newly adapted book by Douglas Carter Beane, gave more depth to the characters while maintaining the original songs. Laura Osnes led the cast with elegance and sincerity.
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Cinderella Laura Osnes
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Prince Topher Santino Fontana
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Fairy Godmother (Marie) Victoria Clark
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Stepmother Harriet Harris
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Stepsisters Ann Harada and Marla Mindelle
This version added modern elements and humor, updating the narrative to make Cinderella more proactive and aware of the world around her. The Broadway production earned several Tony nominations and won for Best Costume Design.
Notable Replacements and Touring Casts
As with most musicals, the role of Cinderella and other characters were played by various actors in touring productions and alternate casts. Notable replacements include
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Keke Palmer – First Black actress to play Cinderella on Broadway (2014)
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Carly Rae Jepsen – Known for her pop music career, she played Cinderella in 2014
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Fran Drescher – Took on the role of the Stepmother with comedic flair
These performers brought their own interpretations to the roles, making the story feel fresh for new audiences.
Why the Cast Matters in Cinderella
In a musical like Cinderella, casting is essential. Each character plays a symbolic role, and strong performances bring emotional impact to the story. Cinderella needs to convey vulnerability and strength. The Prince must balance charm with sincerity. The Fairy Godmother offers both wisdom and warmth, while the Stepmother and Stepsisters provide the necessary tension.
Each version of the musical succeeds in part because of the chemistry and talent of its cast. The music may stay the same, but the cast gives it life.
Musical Numbers Highlighting Cast Talent
Many of the show’s songs are tailored to showcase the vocal abilities of its leads
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In My Own Little Corner – reveals Cinderella’s dreams and inner strength
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Impossible – a magical duet between Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother
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Ten Minutes Ago – a romantic ballad between Cinderella and the Prince
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Stepsisters’ Lament – a comedic song that lets the Stepsisters shine
These numbers have become classics, often performed in concerts, schools, and talent competitions.
The Enduring Appeal of Cinderella
The magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella lies not only in its story and music but in the people who perform it. Each cast over the decades has brought something special, whether it’s vocal brilliance, emotional depth, or fresh energy.
Audiences continue to fall in love with the characters because of the actors who embody them. From Julie Andrews to Brandy, from Laura Osnes to Keke Palmer, each Cinderella has shown that dreams really do come true with the right cast, of course.
The cast of Cinderella in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is more than just a lineup of talented performers they are the heart of the production. Their voices, expressions, and chemistry are what bring the fairy tale to life, again and again. Whether you’re watching a vintage broadcast or a live stage show, it’s the cast that makes the magic real.