Cinderella (Rodgers and Hammerstein musical)
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Cinderella: A Rodgers and Hammerstein Gem in the West End
"Cinderella," crafted by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, brought its enchanting fairy-tale magic to London’s West End as a pantomime at the London Coliseum, opening on December 18, 1958. Originally written for television and broadcast live on CBS in 1957 with Julie Andrews in the title role, this musical marked the duo’s only work created specifically for the small screen. Its West End debut transformed the intimate TV tale into a grand stage spectacle, running through the holiday season until January 31, 1959. With its iconic score and traditional storytelling, it offered a festive twist on the classic Cinderella narrative, cementing its place in London’s theatrical history.
Origins and Transition to the Stage
The musical’s journey began when CBS commissioned Rodgers and Hammerstein to create an original television musical, capitalizing on the success of NBC’s 1955 "Peter Pan." Airing on March 31, 1957, the live broadcast drew over 107 million viewers, a record for its time. Adapted from Charles Perrault’s "Cendrillon," the story stayed true to its roots, focusing on Cinderella’s journey from servitude to the ball with the aid of her Fairy Godmother. The 1958 West End production, directed by Harold Fielding, re-imagined this TV hit as a pantomime, a British holiday tradition, adding local flair while preserving the original’s charm, with Tommy Steele as Buttons and Jimmy Edwards as King Rudolph.
The 1958 West End Pantomime
Staged at the vast London Coliseum, the production starred Yana as Cinderella, a popular singer of the era, alongside Steele’s Buttons, a comedic role expanding the traditional tale. Bruce Trent played Prince Charming, with Edwards and Betty Marsden as the King and Queen, and Nyree Dawn Porter as Fairy Godmother. The pantomime format infused humor and audience interaction, running for 84 performances over six weeks. Despite its short season, it drew families with its festive spirit and the novelty of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s score on a grand scale, though its television origins occasionally clashed with the Coliseum’s operatic grandeur.
Musical and Theatrical Highlights
Rodgers’ melodies and Hammerstein’s lyrics shone in songs like "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It’s Possible," and "Ten Minutes Ago," which became instant classics. The West End version retained these, orchestrated by Robert Russell Bennett, while adapting to pantomime’s broader style with added spectacle think pumpkin carriages and glass slipper moments. The score’s elegance paired with the slapstick of Edwards’ King and the Ugly Sisters, played by Kenneth Williams and Ted Durante, balanced sophistication with silliness. Yana’s vocal prowess and Steele’s charisma amplified the production’s appeal, bridging the gap between TV intimacy and stage exuberance.
Evolution and Global Legacy
Post-1958, "Cinderella" saw two TV remakes 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren and 1997 with Brandy and Whitney Houston each adding songs from the Rodgers catalog. Its full Broadway debut came in 2013, with Douglas Carter Beane’s updated book, running 770 performances. The West End, however, never hosted a full-scale replica of this Broadway version, though the 1958 pantomime laid groundwork for later UK stagings, like the 2022 Hope Mill Theatre production. The musical’s adaptability has fueled countless regional and international runs, with its core story and songs remaining a theatrical touchstone.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The 1958 West End "Cinderella" reflected Rodgers and Hammerstein’s knack for timeless storytelling, even in pantomime form. Its brief run belied its influence, introducing London audiences to a score that would endure beyond the holiday season. While overshadowed by the duo’s juggernauts like "The Sound of Music," it showcased their versatility and cemented "Cinderella" as a family favorite. As of March 2025, its legacy thrives in amateur productions and concert versions, a testament to its simple yet profound magic a fairy tale that keeps finding new stages to conquer.