Cinderella: A Musical Play illustrated by Le Fanu
Cinderella is one of (if not the) most popular fairy tales in the world. It found its way in the popular collection Books for the Bairns as No. 69 as well. The story about the girl with viscous step sisters is of course known in numerous variations. This one is a printed play with text in verse, instructions on execution and illustrated scenes as they should be presented to the audience.
A lot of room for adjustments is left, so the play can be presented with any budget and varying number of cat members.
As we can see text is done by Marion Adams, music by Stephen R. Philpot, and illustrations, as already said, by Brinsley Le Fanu, a regular contributor to books for the Bairns series.
Text is adapted for an ensemble of eight actors and a choir but can be played with four players if actors decide to take two or more roles at the same time.
After these initial pages some instructions with tips follow. We'll focus on Mr. Le Fanu's work.
You'll imminently notice the illustrations are done as the scenes for the stage should be - all characters facing the audience or showing at least a profile.
There are three scenes in this play and the first is positioned in Cinderella's home. The stage starts with the preparations of her stepsisters for the ball. She is not allowed to participate but her help at dressing up is obligatory.
Cinderella and her stepsister Proudie are performing a duet.
This part has strong emotional effect. Proudie and Crosspatch are leaving for party. Cinderella would like to go to yet she is not allowed. She has got no appropriate outfit neither.
She is all alone yearning for better life.
The the magic happens. The fairy enters and everything seems possible. Yes, Cinderella needs a dress and shoes and a carriage. The fairy can solve everything.
In this version the fairy has several helpers who are willing to sing too.
Cinderella is ready to go. now is her turn to do the magic - she will enchant the prince!
Yet there's a catch - she must leave the party before midnight. This is the time when magic ends. Her magnificent dress will turn into rags and her chances at the ball will miserably fail.
The end of the first scene gives another opportunity for some singing and dancing.
And more dancing and singing.
Time to go. Party time.
The prince should find a wife at this dance.
He was very picky. All the noble ladies came yet none pleased him.
Until Cinderella entered.
Yes, she might be the one. Prince had eyes just for her.
But she doesn't want to stay. Why?
She was in such a hurry she lost one of her glass slippers.
Nobody knew her name. The slipper was the only clue. Can prince find the owner of the lost slipper?
The third and last scene is at Cinderella's home again. She was still poor girl in the rags and her stepsisters were still viscous stepsisters.
Cinderella is still their servant. Or a slave, maybe?
Who would like to try the slipper. The lady whose foot fits it will be the next princess.
Every gils would like to try it but all have too big feet.
Would Cinderella like to try it too? But wait! Isn't the slipper for nobility only?
It's time to reveal the truth. Cinderella's foot is just right for the slipper. She transforms into a beautiful lady in precious clothes. She is nobility. A perfect match for the prince. The future queen.
Yes, it time for wedding. Another occasion for more dancing and singing.
The list of the books in the collection is long. Cinderella has number 69 and it's not the last one.
The book was published in 1901 or 1902.
