Cinderella in-the-round

Scene 4: Royal Palace Gallery
King Albert explains to his grown son the political connections to be gained by marrying a princess. Queen Charlotte writes invitations to an upcoming ball, where the Prince will meet these prospective brides. Guillaume is distracted by Benjamin, who imitates the princesses in portraits hanging on the walls. King Albert is enraged by his son’s lack of responsibility to his future kingdom, but Guillaume can’t believe he’d be forced into a loveless marriage. Albert insists the invitations be hand-delivered by the Prince. Guillaume and Benjamin hatch a plan to trade places.

Scene 5: Cinderella’s Kitchen
Cinderella stoically serves her family breakfast. The briefest sign of tenderness towards Cinderella from her father is frowned upon by Hortensia. Edwina goes along with her mother, gaining favours from her. Clementine, the sweeter stepsister, is bullied into following suit. A beggar arrives at the door. Taking pity, Cinderella brings him into the kitchen, but Hortensia casts him out again. “The Prince” (Benjamin) appears at the door. He has discovered the beggar and insists Hortensia provides food and warmth. Hortensia feigns concern and orders Cinderella to help. “The Prince” has come to deliver invitations to the ball. Left alone with Cinderella, the beggar (Prince Guillaume in disguise) sees true kindness in her. The two pretend to be at the ball, laughing and dancing.

Scene 6: The Night of the Ball
Cinderella is cleaning when the rest of her family appears, dressed for the ball. Hortensia throws Cinderella’s invitation into the fire, and they depart without her. The Fates, who have continued to watch over Cinderella, present her with an invitation and lead her to her mother’s grave.

Scene 7: The Grave
From the tree, spirits of Lightness, Fluidity, Generosity, and Mystery appear to teach Cinderella the steps she needs for the ball. Embraced by the branches, Cinderella is transformed, and the Fates send her to the ball, warning her to watch the clock.

Act II

Scene 1: The Palace Ballroom
The ball is underway when Cinderella’s family arrives. The king and queen witness the rather tipsy arrival of Prince Guillaume and Benjamin, neither in correct attire for such a formal occasion. Cinderella’s stepsisters still believe Benjamin to be the Prince, giving the young men another chance for deception. Guillaume is uninterested in any of the eligible women. A magical atmosphere fills the ballroom as a masked girl arrives. Guillaume is immediately drawn to her. Cinderella, recognizing him as the beggar, turns to flee, but is guided back by the Fates. The couple waltz together. Seeing the interest the Prince shows in the mysterious beauty, Hortensia takes to the bottle, humiliating herself. Benjamin dances with Clementine, whom he likes. Guillaume and Cinderella dance, falling deeper in love. When Hortensia rips off Cinderella’s mask, she must flee. In the chaos, Cinderella leaves behind one golden shoe. Guillaume vows to marry her.

Act III

Scene 1: In the Kingdom
Benjamin and Guillaume search for Cinderella, trying the shoe on every female foot they can find.

Scene 2: Cinderella’s Kitchen
Cinderella awakens, and with the help of the Fates, remembers her astonishing night. She hides the other shoe and resigns herself to her daily chores. Clementine tells Cinderella of the boy she met, and Edwina turns suspicious when she spies Cinderella dancing steps from the ball. Hortensia viciously attacks Cinderella – her father must step in. Benjamin and Guillaume arrive, exhausted from trying the shoe on many feet. When it does not fit either stepsister, Hortensia throws the shoe into the fire. Cinderella comes forward with the matching shoe: Prince Guillaume has found his Princess. They leave the family behind, but all is not lost for Clementine as Benjamin returns for her. A royal wedding is held.