Cinderella Synopsis - Boston Ballet
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The Story of Cinderella

A BALLET BY SIR FREDERICK ASHTON

Seo Hye Han in Sir Frederick Ashton's Cinderella

Photo credit: Liza Voll

A fairytale classic that sparkles with heart and humor.

Boston Ballet in Sir Frederick Ashton's Cinderella

Photo credit: Liza Voll

Seo Hye Han and Patric Palkens in Sir Frederick Ashton's Cinderella

Photo credit: Liza Voll
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.

Boston Ballet in Sir Frederick Ashton's Cinderella

Photo credit: Liza Voll

ACT II: A HALL AT THE PALACE

Courtiers dance as the court jester shows off and greets the guests. Cinderella’s father and stepsisters arrive, and the Prince makes a grand entrance. The Stars escort Cinderella, who appears like a princess, unrecognizable to her stepsisters. The Prince is enraptured by Cinderella and offers her three rare oranges.

Finding themselves alone, the Prince and Cinderella declare their love for each other. Cinderella is so captivated by the Prince she loses track of time. The clock strikes midnight. As Cinderella rushes from the palace, she loses one of her slippers. The Prince finds it and vows to find the woman he loves.

ACT III: AFTER THE BALL

Cinderella awakens at home. A beautiful slipper in her apron pocket assures her the magical night at the ball was not a dream. The stepsisters boast about their evening. The Prince arrives, in search of the owner of the slipper. The stepsisters desperately try in vain to make it fit. As Cinderella tries to help, the second slipper falls from her apron, and the Prince recognizes she is the woman he loves.

The Fairy Godmother appears and unites the lovers, who live happily ever after.

Cinderella March 14-24, 2024