ACT I: THE HOME OF CINDERELLA, HER FATHER, AND STEPSISTERS
The stepsisters are anxiously preparing for the palace ball. Cinderella sits quietly by the fire gazing at her mother’s portrait and dreams of happier times. Her father wishes to console her but is fearful of his bad-tempered stepdaughters who scold him for comforting Cinderella. With a broom and her imagination, Cinderella dreams of waltzing with a prince at the ball.
Her thoughts are interrupted by a mysterious woman. The stepsisters rudely dismiss her, but Cinderella gives her bread. The woman leaves, recognizing Cinderella’s kindness.
Dressmakers, shoemakers, hairdressers, a jeweler, and a dance teacher arrive to prepare the stepsisters for the ball. Cinderella is left sad and alone as everyone departs for the festivities.
As Cinderella returns to her daydream, the mysterious woman reappears and reveals herself as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. She conjures the Fairies of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter who bestow gifts to and prepare Cinderella for the ball. Her Fairy Godmother warns Cinderella she must leave the ball before the clock strikes midnight or all is lost. A glorious coach whisks Cinderella away to the ball, escorted by the Seasons and the Stars.