�� FULL PLAY SUMMARY
Cinderella: Once Upon My Time is a contemporary stage musical that blends classic fairy-tale storytelling with modern wit, emotional depth, and a powerful social voice.
Told through layered narration, gossip-filled ensemble scenes, and visually dynamic staging, the story follows Cinderella, a strong, observant young woman navigating life in a household where she is not openly hated, but quietly unseen. Raised by a Stepmother more invested in appearances than compassion, Cinderella learns early how to survive on her own strength, even as she longs to be valued simply for who she is.
As the kingdom prepares for a grand ball meant to secure the Prince’s future, the town buzzes with rumors, expectations, and rigid ideas of worth. The Prince himself struggles under the weight of tradition, longing for a life and a partner that feels real rather than rehearsed.
When disaster strikes and Cinderella’s world literally collapses, magic intervenes not as an escape, but as an awakening. Guided by the wisdom of the Fairy Godmother and challenged by darker forces at play, Cinderella must decide whether she will remain invisible or step boldly into the light.
What unfolds is a night of elegance, chaos, comedy, and revelation, culminating in a powerful reminder: love is not about perfection, status, or spectacle it is about recognition, choice, and courage.
Blending humor, heart, and theatrical spectacle, Cinderella: Once Upon My Time is a story for anyone who has ever felt overlooked and dared to believe their voice matters.
CAST LISTING
1. Cinderella- Callahj Simmons
2. Prince- Theodore Watkins
3. Stepmother-Ja’leiyah Johnston
4. Stepsister One- Asha Peets
5. Stepsister Two- Sarah Williams
6. Fairy Godfather-Aaron Lugo
7. Fairy Godmother -Kelsey Hayward
8. Queen -Arhyaih Tatem
9. King- Ronan Carreon
10. Royal Cook- Riley Lightbourne
11. Friend 1- Kemontai Bailey
12. Friend 2- Fulan Richards
13. Mice (1) Jada Welch
14. Mice (2) Layan Benjamin
Townsmen/Ballgoers /Ensemble P8
15. Santonio Cherrin
16. Mikayla Darrell
17. Kyah Richardson
18. Alkira Seymour-Hayward
19. Sajadie Simmons
20. Tekalia Skinner
21. Kiara Smith
Townsmen/Ballgoers /Ensemble P4
22. Jaylen Basden
23. Nae’-Shian Benjamin
24. Daelaun- Carroll
25. Keegan Dryer
26. Chyna Fox
27. Rinnahj Ming
28. Isabella Stowe
SCENE ONE: “A HOUSE BEFORE THE STORM”
MUSIC CUE 1: OVERTURE / INSTRUMENTAL INTRO (Strings & Orchestra)
(30–60 seconds. Elegant, light tension. Projection shows the inside of a modest home. Windows reveal light rain and gentle wind outside.)
(Lights rise slowly as music plays. Soft wind and distant rain are heard.)
(CINDERELLA runs in, slightly damp, carrying a basket of laundry or supplies.)
CINDERELLA (to audience, breathless)
Oh—no, no, no.
Not today.
Not on gossip day
Not on storm day.
Not when my stepfamily has opinions.
(She drops the basket.)
Welcome.
Welcome to my house.
Which is not really my house.
It’s more like… a museum of expectations.
(Music softens into underscore.)
CINDERELLA (to audience, narration style)
Dearest audience,
If you have come seeking a tale of glass slippers and destiny… you are early.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
For today’s story begins with rain, three women with too much time, and a list of chores long enough to crush a dream.
(Music fades. A soft gust of wind is heard.)
(The front door FLIES open.)
(ENTER STEPMOTHER, STEPSISTER 1, and STEPSISTER 2, shaking off light rain and talking at once.)
STEPMOTHER
(shaking umbrella)
This weather is RUDE.
STEPSISTER 1
My hair had a vision. The wind betrayed it.
STEPSISTER 2
The town is FLOODED with gossip and I missed ALL of it.
STEPMOTHER
Where is she?
CINDERELLA
I was wondering the same thing about you.
STEPMOTHER Cinderella.
CINDERELLA
Stepmother.
(They smile politely It is very fake.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPSISTER 1
Did you hear about the Prince?!
STEPSISTER 2
Everyone heard about the Prince.
STEPMOTHER (lowering voice)
They say he walked through the marketplace today.
STEPSISTER 1 WITH NO GUARDS.
STEPSISTER 2
With thoughts.
He was thinking.
CINDERELLA
That sounds dangerous.
STEPMOTHER
He is conflicted.
STEPSISTER 1 Mysterious.
STEPSISTER 2
Emotionally unavailable.
STEPSISTER 1
Which is romantic.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
CINDERELLA
Or exhausting.
STEPMOTHER
They say he doesn’t smile.
STEPSISTER 2
They say he hates the ball.
STEPSISTER 1
They say he wants a girl who is… (dramatic) different.
(The stepsisters FREEZE.)
COMEDY BEAT: “DIFFERENT”
STEPSISTER 1 (striking a pose)
Oh. Different. I can do different.
(Crosses eyes, bends knees, waves arms.)
Is this different?
STEPSISTER 2
No.
That’s injured.
(She straightens posture.)
Hello. I enjoy… silence.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(pauses)
I hate this.
STEPSISTER 1
What if different means mysterious?
(Pulls hood over head, spins, trips.)
CINDERELLA
Different doesn’t usually come with sound effects.
STEPSISTER 2
What about quiet different?
STEPSISTER 1
Or tragic-backstory different?
CINDERELLA
Careful. You’re circling personality.
STEPSISTER 1
I can be unexpected! (shouts) BOO!
STEPSISTER 2 (startled)
WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!
CINDERELLA
Because fear builds character?
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPMOTHER Enough.
(Silence.)
Different does not mean embarrassing.
STEPSISTER 1
I thought embarrassing was bold.
STEPSISTER 2
I thought bold was rich.
THE CHORE LIST
STEPMOTHER Cinderella.
A storm may be coming.
And the roof is already leaking.
(She points upward.)
I am going to the market for supplies. Wood. Cloth.
Something that looks like responsibility.
STEPSISTER 1
I need shoes that survive weather.
STEPSISTER 2 And gossip.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPMOTHER
(Read this.)
(She hands Cinderella a long list.)
CINDERELLA
(reading)
Prepare the house for weather disaster.
That feels hopeful.
STEPMOTHER
First: secure the windows.
STEPSISTER 2
Second: sweep the floors.
STEPSISTER 1
Third: wash all the clothes.
CINDERELLA
All of them?
STEPSISTER 1
Including the emotional ones.
STEPSISTER 2
Fourth: cook dinner.
STEPMOTHER
Fifth: prepare the roof for repair.
CINDERELLA
I don’t have a ladder.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPMOTHER
You have courage.
STEPSISTER 1
And hands.
STEPSISTER 2
Mostly hands.
STEPSISTER 1
They say the Prince doesn’t want perfect.
STEPSISTER 2
They say he wants someone who speaks.
(They look at Cinderella.)
STEPMOTHER
Which is why you will stay here.
We will be at the market. Being seen.
STEPSISTER 1
Dreaming.
STEPSISTER 2
Competing.
(Projection shifts: rain slows and then STOPS. Wind fades. The street outside looks wet but calm.)
STEPMOTHER
Look.
The rain has stopped.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
Perfect timing.
We will return before the clouds change their minds.
(They move to exit.)
STEPSISTER 1
I could be different in a hat.
STEPSISTER 2
Different is overrated.
(They EXIT. Door closes.)
(CINDERELLA alone.)
CINDERELLA (to audience)
Windows. Floors. Roof. Dinner. Dreams postponed until further notice.
(She looks up.)
Funny thing about storms
They don’t wait for permission.
(She drops the list.)
And neither do I.
(Soft instrumental begins.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
MUSIC CUE 2: “NO MORE QUIET” – Intro Underscore
(Cinderella steps into a pool of light.)
CINDERELLA
(quiet, honest)
I am tired of whispering in rooms that don’t listen.
SONG CUE: “NO MORE QUIET” (Cinderella Solo)
(She begins singing.)
BLACKOUT.
SCENE TWO: “MARKET DAY GOSSIP”
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
SETTING:
The town marketplace. Stalls and baskets. Townspeople moving about. Projection shows a colorful market square with wet cobblestones from earlier rain. Light wind. No rain falling.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Market square, cloudy but bright.
(ENTER STEPMOTHER, STEPSISTER 1, and STEPSISTER 2 wearing light raincoats or cloaks. They shake off their coats dramatically.)
STEPMOTHER
Ugh.
The weather has touched me.
STEPSISTER 1
I told you we should have waited for the clouds to apologize.
STEPSISTER 2
This market smells like effort.
(They move to one side of the stage and sit as if on a bench or crate, posing like royalty waiting to be served.)
STEPSISTER 1
We should not be walking.
STEPSISTER 2
Walking is for peasants and plots.
STEPMOTHER
Sit.
We will be noticed.
(They sit. Cross legs. Fan themselves.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(On the opposite side, TOWNSPEOPLE bustle. ENTER THE ROYAL COOK carrying baskets, overly excited.)
ROYAL COOK
(excited, breathless)
OH MY DAYS! MARKET DAY!
Do you know what this means?!
TOWNSPERSON 1
Vegetables?
ROYAL COOK
THE BALL.
TOWNSPERSON 2
The Royal Ball?!
ROYAL COOK
The Royal Ball of Royal Everything!
I have been seasoning since sunrise!
TOWNSPERSON 1
Seasoning what?
ROYAL COOK
THE FUTURE. (She spins.)
They want roasted duck, sugared apples, five kinds of bread, and something called “romantic soup.”
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
TOWNSPERSON 2
What is romantic soup?
ROYAL COOK
I don’t know but I cried while chopping onions so it feels correct.
(Stepsisters lean in slightly, listening.)
STEPSISTER 1
Did she say duck?
STEPSISTER 2
I refuse to eat anything with a backstory
STEPMOTHER
Sit beautifully
If the Prince sees you from a distance, he must think you are furniture.
STEPSISTER 1
What kind of furniture?
STEPMOTHER
Expensive.
ROYAL COOK CONTINUES
ROYAL COOK
The palace is buzzing!
The Queen is nervous.
The King keeps asking if the chairs match the feelings.
And the Prince—
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(dramatic pause)
—he doesn’t even care about the ball.
TOWNSPERSON 1
What?!
ROYAL COOK
He says he wants someone… different.
(Stepsisters gasp.)
ENTER PRINCE & FRIENDS (OTHER SIDE OF STAGE)
(They enter laughing, carrying a bow and arrows or practice gear Light wind moves through the market.)
PRINCE
I would have hit the target if the wind wasn’t arguing with me.
FRIEND 1
The wind doesn’t respect royalty
FRIEND 2
Neither do arrows.
PRINCE
I trained for years and lost to weather.
FRIEND 1
You lost to air.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
PRINCE
Exactly.
It’s humiliating.
TOWNSPERSON 2
That’s him.
TOWNSPERSON 1
He looks normal.
ROYAL COOK
That’s what makes him dangerous.
PRINCE
Everyone thinks I want a princess with perfect posture and no opinions.
FRIEND 2
Don’t you?
PRINCE No.
I want someone who laughs when plans go wrong.
Someone who isn’t impressed by the palace.
Someone who doesn’t need permission to be themselves.
I don’t want perfect.
I want honest.
I want… unexpected.
(His friends listen.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
PRINCE
You know what troubles me?
Everyone says the ball is where I choose my future.
But what if I don’t even know who I am yet?
I spend my days learning how to stand, how to smile, how to aim a bow
…but no one ever asks what I’m aiming for.
(pauses)
I don’t want someone who loves the crown.
I want someone who sees me when the crown comes off
Someone who isn’t afraid to laugh at me when I miss the target.
Someone who doesn’t bow every five seconds.
I want real. Not rehearsed.
FRIEND 1
That’s not confusion.
That’s courage.
Most people choose what’s handed to them.
You’re choosing to look for something true.
FRIEND 2
And when you find her, she won’t be standing in the middle of a ballroom waiting to be chosen.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
She’ll probably be somewhere strange. Somewhere loud. Somewhere completely wrong.
PRINCE (smiling)
That sounds exactly right.
FRIEND 1
So… you’re searching for someone mysterious, unexpected, and completely unimpressed by titles.
PRINCE Exactly.
FRIEND 2
Perfect. She’s either going to change your life (beat) or steal your lunch. (Prince laughs.)
FRIEND 1
Either way, that’s destiny.
PRINCE (smiling)
Then I hope she’s hungry. (They start to walk on.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
ROYAL COOK
(sighing)
That boy doesn’t need a princess. He needs a miracle with muddy shoes.
(They sit taller Flip hair Strike poses.)
(Stepsisters suddenly rise and pose dramatically.)
STEPSISTER 1 (too loud)
Some women are born mysterious.
STEPSISTER 2
Some women are born unforgettable.
STEPSISTER 1
Some women are born ready for destiny.
(Prince walks past without noticing.)
STEPSISTER 2
Did destiny just ignore me?
STEPSISTER 1
I think destiny blinked.
STEPMOTHER
You blinked aggressively
(They rise dramatically.)
PROJECTION CUE 2: Market continues bustling. BLACKOUT.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
SCENE THREE: “The Leak”
SETTING:
Inside Cinderella’s house. It looks cleaner and more organized than Scene One, but still imperfect. A bucket sits center stage catching water from a leaking roof. Occasional dripping is heard. Projection shows the interior of the house with light rain visible through the windows.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Interior house with light rain outside windows.
MUSIC CUE 1: UNDERSCORE (soft, reflective strings)
(Lights rise.)
(ENTER CINDERELLA wearing muddy rain boots and a raincoat. She closes the door carefully behind her.)
(She looks up toward the ceiling.)
CINDERELLA
Please tell me you stopped.
(Drip. A drop of water hits the floor.)
Of course not. You’re consistent.
(She removes her raincoat and hangs it neatly. Wipes mud from her boots.)
(She moves the bucket slightly.)
No, no
That’s too confident.
(Drip misses.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
Excuse me.
(Moves it again. Drip lands inside.)
There we are.
Communication.
(She steps back, satisfied.)
Progress.
(She looks around.)
Floors? Clean.
Windows? Closed.
Laundry? Folded.
Roof? Moody
(Turns to audience.)
CINDERELLA (to audience)
Hello again, dearest audience.
I see you’ve returned.
Which means either you care about my story… or the storm did.
(pauses, gestures around)
You may notice… the house looks better.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
The dust has surrendered. The chairs are standing proudly. The kitchen smells like effort.
But the roof… the roof is auditioning for drama.
(Drip.)
CINDERELLA
I used to think my life would begin when something magical happened. A ball. A dress. A miracle. Turns out it began when I learned how to hold things together with one bucket and a sense of humor.
(She nudges the bucket.)
This is not what they write songs about. But it is what they live in.
CINDERELLA
I didn’t plan this life.
I didn’t choose the chores. I didn’t choose the waiting.
I didn’t choose the quiet.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
But somewhere between sweeping floors and chasing leaks…
I found my voice.
(pauses)
It just hasn’t learned how to interrupt yet.
(Drip.)
Working on it.
(The door FLIES open.)
(ENTER STEPMOTHER, STEPSISTER 1, and STEPSISTER 2 in raincoats, buzzing with gossip and attitude.)
STEPSISTER 1
We just passed the palace street!
STEPSISTER 2
The Prince was definitely in the air
STEPMOTHER
The wind carried royalty
STEPSISTER 1
He was walking with his friends again.
STEPSISTER 2
Laughing like a regular person.
STEPSISTER 1
That’s mysterious.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPSISTER 2
That’s suspicious.
(They notice the bucket.)
STEPSISTER 1
Why is there a puddle in our living room?
CINDERELLA
Because the roof has joined the weather
STEPSISTER 2
I knew something would go wrong the moment I felt productive.
STEPMOTHER
I told you to prepare the house.
CINDERELLA
I did.
The house prepared a sequel.
STEPSISTER 1
He smiled today.
STEPSISTER 2
At the wind.
STEPSISTER 1
That smile could be destiny
STEPSISTER 2
That smile could be allergies.
STEPSISTER 1
Do you think he notices strong women?
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPSISTER 2
He didn’t notice us at the market.
STEPSISTER 1
We were sitting beautifully.
STEPSISTER 2
We were sitting loudly.
STEPMOTHER
Enough.
We must prepare for the ball.
(Stepsisters gasp.)
STEPSISTER 1
The dresses!
STEPSISTER 2
The shoes!
STEPSISTER 1
The way I will walk into history!
STEPSISTER 2
The way I will walk without tripping!
STEPMOTHER (to Cinderella)
We will be in the next room.
No interruptions.
No opinions.
And no water near the silk.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
CINDERELLA
Of course.
The bucket and I will stay humble.
(Stepsisters exit, still gossiping.)
STEPSISTER 1
My dress must sparkle like confidence.
STEPSISTER 2
Mine must whisper wealth.
STEPSISTER 1
Mine must say, “I am unforgettable.”
STEPSISTER 2
Mine must say, “I own mirrors.”
(They exit with Stepmother.)
(Silence. Drip.)
CINDERELLA (to audience)
And just like that they go to dress for dreams while I dress the house for survival.
(pauses)
Funny thing about waiting
It teaches you how to listen.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
To storms.
To silence.
To yourself.
(She steps forward.)
Maybe this isn’t the life I imagined …but it’s the one that made me ready.
MUSIC CUE 2: NEXT SONG – INTRO UNDERSCORE
(Light shifts. Bucket drip softens.)
CINDERELLA
(quiet, determined)
If the world is going to hear me…
I might as well start speaking.
SONG CUE: [NEXT SONG TITLE – Cinderella Solo or Ensemble]
(She begins singing.)
BLACKOUT.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
SCENE FOUR: “ROYAL PREPARATIONS”
SETTING:
The palace grooming chamber. A chair center stage like a salon chair. A mirror or imaginary mirror. FRIEND 1 and FRIEND 2 hold combs, scissors, and wax strips. Projection shows an elegant royal interior.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Palace grooming room – warm gold and royal blues.
MUSIC CUE 1: LIGHT COMEDIC UNDERSCORE
(Lights rise on the PRINCE seated in a chair FRIEND 1 trims his hair FRIEND 2 prepares a wax strip.)
FRIEND 1
Hold still.
PRINCE
I am holding still.
FRIEND 2
Your eyebrows disagree.
(Wax strip is pulled.)
PRINCE I HAVE LEFT MY BODY!
FRIEND 1
Beauty requires bravery
PRINCE
So does survival.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(TRUMPET FLOURISH.)
(ENTER QUEEN and KING in full royal elegance.)
QUEEN
Behold.
The future.
(She circles the Prince.)
A prince is not born. He is revealed.
KING
Yes, my love.
Revealed and very shiny.
QUEEN (to Prince)
Stand tall, my son. Even your silence must look expensive.
PRINCE
I feel like furniture.
QUEEN
Furniture can be admired.
Remember:
“A crown does not shout. It listens.”
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
KING
And it listens beautifully.
QUEEN
We come from the royal tasting.
KING
The soup.
(He tastes imaginary soup again and grimaces.)
QUEEN
It is bold.
KING
It is emotional.
(He speaks Tagalog more strongly.)
What is this?! It’s stronger than me!
QUEEN
Darling.
Control your eyebrows.
KING
Yes, my Queen. But the soup attacked me.
QUEEN (to Prince)
A good soup is like a good marriage. Balanced.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
Warm. And never rushed.
PRINCE
Is everything a lesson?
QUEEN
Everything is destiny wearing a costume.
KING
I agree with your destiny.
QUEEN
My son, tonight you will meet many young women. Some will love the palace. Some will love the crown. Some will love the idea of you. But remember: “Not every jewel is meant for every crown.”
PRINCE
What if I don’t want a jewel?
QUEEN (smiling sweetly)
Every prince wants a jewel. Eventually
KING
Yes. She will sparkle like the soup but less painful.
FRIEND 1
Shall we practice your entrance?
FRIEND 2
And your smile.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
PRINCE
What if I say the wrong thing?
QUEEN
Then say it beautifully. A royal mistake is still a statement.
KING
And I will clap.
(Friends step back. Music begins to change.)
MUSIC CUE 2: PRINCE LOVE SONG INTRO (Soulful strings, longing tone)
(Prince steps forward. Friends freeze slightly. Queen and King observe.)
PRINCE
(to himself, then outward)
Somewhere there is someone who does not know my name, but already knows my heart. Someone who does not need a palace to feel at home. Someone who will see me before she sees the crown.
SONG CUE: [PRINCE SOLO – Love Song to His Future Bride]
(Prince sings — soulful, longing, hopeful. Queen listens closely.)
(During the song, the QUEEN’s smile slowly tightens.)
QUEEN
(quietly, to King)
This song is not for the ball.
KING
It is very emotional.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
QUEEN
It is very… specific.
KING
Do you think he is choosing love over lineage?
QUEEN
I fear he is choosing someone we did not invite.
(Song ends. Prince breathes.)
PRINCE
I will find her
QUEEN
(smiling, controlled)
Of course you will.
A prince always finds what is meant for him.
KING
And what my Queen approves.
QUEEN
Come, my King.
We must speak to the soup again.
KING
Yes, my Queen.
That soup is truly bold
(Queen and King exit.)
CINDERELLA:
(Friends surround Prince.)
FRIEND 1
That was intense.
FRIEND 2
You sang like someone in love.
PRINCE
Maybe I already am.
FRIEND 1
With who?
PRINCE
With who she will be.
MUSIC CUE 3: TRANSITION INTO NEXT SCENE BLACKOUT.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
SCENE FIVE: “THE LIGHT AND THE STORM”
(Act One Finale – Split Stage)
SETTING: Split stage.
● STAGE LEFT: Cinderella’s home dim, leaking roof, bucket catching water
● STAGE RIGHT: Stepmother’s elegant but shadowed space.
Wind and distant thunder underscore the scene.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Darkening storm clouds across both sides of the stage.
SOUND CUE: Wind. Low thunder (“clap… clap…”).
(Lights rise on CINDERELLA alone, center Stage Left. She looks up at the leaking roof.)
CINDERELLA
They never hated me loudly. That would have been easier. They just didn’t see me. I was ordinary, and that made me nothing in their eyes. No praise. No protection. No warmth.
I learned to feed myself…comfort myself…survive myself. And all I ever wanted wasn’t gold or royalty — I wanted to be chosen. To be cared for without having to earn it. To be loved without being different.
(Thunder: “clap.”)
I kept asking the sky what I did wrong. It never answered.
(She kneels by the bucket. Silence.)
(A soft glow appears behind her. The FAIRY GODMOTHER slowly materializes mysterious, radiant, calm.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
FAIRY GODMOTHER
You ask the storm questions meant for the light.
CINDERELLA
(startled)
Who are you?
FAIRY GODMOTHER
A memory. A promise. A door you forgot you could open.
CINDERELLA
Are you here to fix this? (gestures to the roof)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
No. I am here to show you what still stands.
CINDERELLA
My mother died first. My father followed her like he couldn’t breathe without her. She raised me but she blamed me. And when he was gone everything else went quiet. Every meal. Every silence. Every storm. I became invisible.
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Invisible is not the same as unworthy. The world taught you to rely on yourself because it worships attention, not kindness. But you learned something rarer You learned how to endure.
CINDERELLA
I don’t want to endure anymore. I want to belong.
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Then stop waiting for permission. Your parents did not leave you empty. They left you brave. Look up.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(She gestures upward. Light brightens slightly.)
The storm is not your enemy. It is your passage.
(Thunder.)
STAGE RIGHT: STEPMOTHER & FAIRY GODFATHER
(Light rises on STEPMOTHER pacing. A low laugh is heard. FAIRY GODFATHER appears from the shadows.)
FAIRY GODFATHER
(laughing softly, dragging vowels)
Ahhh listen to the storm, my dear. It sounds exactly like indecision.
STEPMOTHER
Don’t sneak like that.
FAIRY GODFATHER
Sneak? No, no, no I arrive. (pauses, smoothing his coat) And I always arrive when fear begins to think.
STEPMOTHER
She is becoming a problem.
FAIRY GODFATHER
Ohhh…say her name properly. Cin-de-relll-la. Such a small word for such an inconvenience.
STEPMOTHER
My daughters deserve the Prince.
FAIRY GODFATHER (laughs)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
Ahhhh deserve. How delicious that word is. You raised them for greatness. You dressed them for admiration. You trained them to shine. And what did she learn?
STEPMOTHER
To endure.
FAIRY GODFATHER
Precisely. Endurance is not attraction. Kindness is not currency. And ordinary… (leans in) ordinary is invisible.
STEPMOTHER
She survived when my husband did not.
FAIRY GODFATHER
(slowly)
And you have never forgiven her for breathing afterward.
STEPMOTHER
Don’t say it like that.
FAIRY GODFATHER
Truth sounds better when it wears velvet.
(laughs)
You built a kingdom for your daughters. She lives in the cracks.
STEPMOTHER
What if she dreams?
FAIRY GODFATHER
Dreams are for those who are seen. Your daughters are seen. She must…stay…out…of the way
(Thunder.)
CINDERELLA:
STEPMOTHER
I never hated her.
FAIRY GODFATHER (smiling)
Of course not. You simply forgot her loudly. Much kinder.
STEPMOTHER
You make it sound cruel.
FAIRY GODFATHER
Cruel? No. Practical. The Prince wants spectacle. Your daughters are fireworks. She is a candle.
STEPMOTHER
But she is my husband’s child.
FAIRY GODFATHER
And they are your future. Which one will you protect? (Long pause.)
STEPMOTHER (quietly)
I protect what shines.
FAIRY GODFATHER (laughing softly)
Ohhh… how royal that sounds. Let the storm take care of the rest.
STEPMOTHER
What do you mean?
FAIRY GODFATHER
Sometimes fate needs encouragement.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(Thunder grows louder.)
STEPMOTHER BALLAD
MUSIC CUE: STEPMOTHER BALLAD – “WHAT THEY DESERVE” (Big Voice, Dramatic)
(Stepmother steps into the spotlight. The Fairy Godfather circles her like a shadow.)
(Song about duty, loss, bitterness, choosing her daughters over Cinderella.)
SPLIT STAGE – BOTH WORLDS COLLIDE
(Fairy Godmother reaches for Cinderella’s hand.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
The light is not given. It is claimed.
CINDERELLA
What if I fall?
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Then the world will finally see you.
(Lightning flashes.)
SOUND CUE: Thunder “CLAP! CLAP!”
(Ceiling creaks.)
CINDERELLA
Something’s wrong—
SOUND CUE: CRASH.
(A section of the roof collapses. Debris falls. Cinderella is struck and collapses.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Cinderella!
(Blackout on Stage Left.)
(Stage Right: Stepmother freezes mid-song.)
STEPMOTHER
What have I done…
SOUND: One final thunder CLAP LIGHTS OUT.
FAINT LIGHT (HOPE)
(After collapse.)
A small glow appears where Cinderella lies.
FAIRY GODMOTHER (V.O.)
The storm does not choose her ending.
(Glow remains as blackout.)
INTERMISSION.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
ACT TWO – SCENE ONE: “AFTERMATH”
(Draft Version with Opening Impact Adjustment & Narrator Lighting Option)
SETTING: Exact same picture as Act 1 finale collapse. No visual reset. Cinderella remains under rubble.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Ruined interior with pale dawn light
SOUND CUE: Wind through broken beams. Occasional drip of water
LIGHTS: Sharp snap up (not slow fade) immediate restart impact
(CINDERELLA lies motionless under debris.)
ENTER STEPMOTHER from Stage Right. She steps carefully through rubble, sees Cinderella. She pauses performs sympathy.
STEPMOTHER (overly soft, performative)
Oh no… oh this poor child…
Such a fragile little thing…
(She almost kneels then instantly drops the act, stands, brushes dust away.)
STEPMOTHER (cold, flat)
What dreadful timing.
I saw it fall. I heard the sound. And I will not relive it. (pauses, straightening herself)
Do you know what tonight is?
The Ball.
My daughters must shine.
I will not have tragedy wrinkle silk.
ENTER FAIRY GODFATHER
LIGHT SHIFT OPTION: Stage dims spotlight on Godfather above.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
FAIRY GODFATHER
Ahhh… so we pretend the storm was merely… inconvenient.
LIGHTS RETURN TO STAGE
STEPMOTHER
Do not dramatize this. If she is hurt, it is unfortunate. If she is gone it is fate. Either way, I have no time. Handle it. Quietly.
FAIRY GODFATHER (smiling)
And where is the inconvenience?
STEPMOTHER
Under whatever the sky decided to drop. Clear it.
Remove it. Make it disappear. I will not have this house smell like memory. (She turns away from the rubble.)
My daughters are waiting. (cold)
Do not follow me with questions.
EXIT STEPMOTHER
LIGHT SHIFT — spotlight to GODFATHER (if using narrator structure)
FAIRY GODFATHER
Ahhh… responsibility in a hurry. How very royal.
LIGHTS RETURN
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(ENTER MOUSE 1 and MOUSE 2 from the aisle or upstage, circling the rubble.)
THE MICE (comic duo)
MOUSE 1
Careful careful this place looks like yesterday’s cheese.
MOUSE 2
I heard there was thunder and no dessert.
MOUSE 1
Do you think the Royal Cook saved soup for the ball?
MOUSE 2
If not, we riot.
(They sniff around.)
MOUSE 1
Cinderellee?
MOUSE 2
Cinderellee?
(They spot Cinderella’s hand or foot under debris.)
MOUSE 1
What in the cheddar cheese is going on here?
(Cinderella’s foot twitches.)
MOUSE 2
SHE MOVED!
MOUSE 1
That’s not rubble—that’s a person!
(They try lifting debris.)
FAIRY GODFATHER (watching)
FAIRY GODFATHER
Well, well
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
The storm has poor aim.
(Cinderella stirs.)
CINDERELLA AWAKENS
CINDERELLA (weakly)
The roof
She said—
(to herself)
“Do not get in the way of what my daughters deserve.”
MOUSE 1
You’re alive!
MOUSE 2
Alive and dusty!
(Soft glow appears. ENTER FAIRY GODMOTHER.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER & CINDERELLA
FAIRY GODMOTHER
The storm does not choose your ending.
CINDERELLA
I thought… that was it.
I thought I was done being ordinary.
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Ordinary does not survive storms. You did.
CINDERELLA
She saw me fall and she left.
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Then let this be the moment you stop waiting to be chosen.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(FAIRY GODFATHER steps back, amused.)
FAIRY GODFATHER
Ahhh… the light arrives late.
How poetic.
This no longer concerns me.
Enjoy your miracle.
(EXIT FAIRY GODFATHER.)
MICE + FAIRY GODMOTHER + CINDERELLA
MOUSE 1
You’re shaking.
MOUSE 2
But you’re standing.
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Then sing.
MUSIC CUE 1: SHORT UPLIFTING SONG – “Brave of Heart, CINDERELLA” (Mice, Fairy
Godmother, Cinderella)
(No lyrics in script. Cinderella joins fully at the end.)
COSTUME MAGIC
CINDERELLA
What am I going to wear to the ball?
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Faith… …and fabric.
PROJECTION CUE 2: Light swirls and sparkles.
(A gown descends safely from above.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
MOUSE 1
Dress from the sky!
MOUSE 2
Fashion miracle!
PUMPKIN CARRIAGE ENTRANCE
(A magical sound. The MICE run off and re-enter pulling or pushing a PUMPKIN CARRIAGE.)
MOUSE 1
We found transportation!
MOUSE 2
Eco-friendly.
CINDERELLA
You built this?
MOUSE 1
We upgraded a vegetable.
MOUSE 2
It’s a long story
(They position the carriage center stage.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Every journey begins with courage.
Step inside.
(Cinderella hesitates, then steps into the carriage.)
CINDERELLA
What if they don’t see me?
FAIRY GODMOTHER They will.
Not because of the dress… but because you finally chose to arrive.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
MOUSE 1 Ready?
MOUSE 2
Hold your sparkle.
(Mice take their pulling positions.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER To the Ball.
Not as a shadow but as yourself
MUSIC CUE 2: TRANSITION TO BALLROOM (hopeful, magical)
(Lights brighten. The carriage slowly rolls forward.)
MOUSE 1
Next stop: destiny!
MOUSE 2 And snacks!
(They exit with the carriage.)
BLACKOUT.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
SETTING:
ACT TWO – SCENE TWO “THE BALL”
A grand Regency-style ballroom. Chandeliers, glowing light, elegant projections. Guests in lavish costumes fill the space.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Ornate ballroom with chandeliers and candlelight.
MUSIC CUE 1: Harp Intro / Ballroom Overture (Bridgerton-style strings).
(Lights rise slowly.)
(A HARPIST is already seated center stage with a FAKE HARP, plucking dramatically with exaggerated elegance. The real music plays from the track or orchestra while the Harpist mimes with flair.)
MUSIC CUE: Royal Processional (soft, elegant)
(Lights rise. The FAKE HARPIST finishes a flourish. Enter QUEEN and KING with PRINCE and FRIENDS.)
QUEEN
Ah.
Smell that, my son?
PRINCE
The candles?
QUEEN Tradition. And soup.
KING (pleased)
Very good soup.
I tasted it twice. For duty.
QUEEN
Tonight, you will dance.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
You will smile.
And you will meet your future.
PRINCE
What if my future doesn’t curtsy?
QUEEN
Then it is not your future.
KING
Your mother is always correct. Especially about soup.
QUEEN
You are not here for wandering thoughts.
You are here to be seen.
PRINCE
I want to be known.
QUEEN
Known comes after chosen.
Remember who you are.
KING
And remember to stand tall.
Like your ancestors.
Very tall.
FRIEND 1 (aside)
They rehearsed this.
FRIEND 2
With mirrors.
QUEEN
We will observe.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
KING
From over there.
Where the chairs look royal.
(QUEEN and KING move to elegant chairs at side of stage and sit, watching the room.)
QUEEN
Let the night begin.
(Music swells into Scene 2 Ball opening.)
(Two BALLGOERS glide past, whispering.)
BALLGOER 1
Is she actually playing that?
BALLGOER 2
Of course she is. Look at her face.
(The Harpist finishes with an over-the-top flourish and bows deeply.)
NARRATION (Bridgerton-style)
(CINDERELLA steps forward or is heard as V.O.)
CINDERELLA (V.O. or Live)
Dearest audience…
Tonight, the palace doors opened wide, and so did everyone’s mouths.
Because when a room fills with music, it also fills with opinions.
This is the Ball— where dreams arrive dressed in silk, and gossip arrives early.
(The Harpist glides off to the side and freezes in a decorative pose.)
MUSIC CUE 2: Grand Ballroom Dance begins (full Bridgerton-style strings).
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(The ENSEMBLE enters and forms elegant dance lines. They freeze, then begin dancing.)
BALLGOERS (whispering during dance)
BALLGOER 3
Who is that in the blue?
BALLGOER 4
I heard the Prince refused three proposals before dinner
BALLGOER 5
Look at her sleeves. They’re last season.
BALLGOER 6
No, they’re vintage.
STAGE RIGHT – ROYAL COOK & TWO ATTENDEES
(ROYAL COOK guards a dessert table with fierce pride. Two ATTENDEES sneak closer.)
ROYAL COOK
Ah-ah-ah!
Not until the Prince says grace.
ATTENDEE 1
Just one pastry?
ROYAL COOK
That pastry has destiny on it.
ATTENDEE 2
It smells like happiness.
ROYAL COOK
And you smell like impatience. Back up.
(She swats them gently with a spoon.)
ATTENDEE 1
What’s in the soup?
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
ROYAL COOK
Secrets. Butter. And stress.
(The Harpist plucks one dramatic note as punctuation.)
STEPSISTERS (downstage, whispering loudly)
STEPSISTER ONE
Everyone is looking at me.
STEPSISTER TWO
They are absolutely not.
STEPSISTER ONE
My gown sparkles.
STEPSISTER TWO
So does the chandelier Calm down.
STEPSISTER ONE
Tonight, one of us becomes royalty
STEPSISTER TWO
Preferably me.
(They strike dramatic poses as dancers swirl past them.)
ENTER PRINCE & FRIENDS
(Music softens slightly as PRINCE and FRIENDS enter.)
BALLGOERS (murmuring)
The Prince!
Look at him!
He walks like a poem!
PRINCE
(quietly to friends)
Why does everyone stare?
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
FRIEND 1
Because you’re shiny.
FRIEND 2
And nervous.
PRINCE
I just want to dance without being measured.
FRIEND 1
Then pick someone unexpected.
FRIEND 2
Someone who doesn’t bow every time you blink.
(They laugh softly.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER & FAIRY GODFATHER (watching from opposite sides)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
The room waits for its story.
FAIRY GODFATHER
And the clock waits for its moment.
(They exchange a knowing look.)
BIG BALLROOM DANCE
MUSIC CUE 3: Full ensemble ballroom dance (Bridgerton-style waltz).
(Partners change. Lines form and dissolve. The Harpist mimics playing along dramatically from the side.)
BALLGOERS (overlapping during dance)
BALLGOER 7
Who invited her?
BALLGOER 8
She moves like she belongs.
BALLGOER 9
I don’t recognize her.
BALLGOER 10
That’s the best kind.
COOK & ATTENDEES (again)
ATTENDEE 1
The soup is calling me.
ROYAL COOK
And I am answering it for you.
ATTENDEE 2
We only want a taste.
ROYAL COOK
This soup has been simmering longer than your manners. (She shoos them away again. The Harpist hits one dramatic note.)
STEPSISTERS (watching the crowd)
STEPSISTER ONE
Who is that woman near the stairs?
STEPSISTER TWO
She walks like she owns the floor.
STEPSISTER ONE
I don’t like her hair.
STEPSISTER TWO
I don’t like her confidence.
PRINCE (noticing)
PRINCE (softly) Who is she?
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
NARRATION (returns)
CINDERELLA (V.O. or Live)
And so the room shifted. Because sometimes, the quietest entrance changes the loudest story.
MUSIC CUE 4: Dance swells again, drawing attention toward Cinderella’s unseen entrance point.
(Lights subtly pull focus to the entrance area.)
HARPIST (soft, dramatic whisper) I feel a key change coming.
(The Harpist plucks a final elegant flourish.)
LIGHTS HOLD.
END OF SCENE.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
SETTING:
ACT TWO – SCENE THREE “THE DANCE & THE FALL”
A grand ballroom with chandeliers and candlelight. Guests in elegant Regency-style attire swirl in choreographed patterns.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Grand ballroom with chandeliers and glowing candles
MUSIC CUE 1: Ballroom Dance / Overture (Bridgerton-style strings – full ensemble)
(ENSEMBLE dances. BALLGOERS cluster and whisper.)
ROYAL ENTRANCE
(QUEEN and KING enter with PRINCE and FRIENDS. They cross to elegant chairs at stage right.)
QUEEN
Look at them all, my love.
Hope wrapped in satin.
KING
And shoes. So many shoes.
QUEEN
Tonight, our son must choose wisely. A partner worthy of the crown.
PRINCE
What if the crown chooses the wrong person?
QUEEN
Then the crown must be reminded who it belongs to.
KING
Your mother is never wrong.
Not about crowns. Not about soup.
Not about love.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
QUEEN
You will dance. You will charm. And you will remember who you are.
PRINCE
What if I want someone who sees me not the title?
(QUEEN studies him.)
QUEEN
That is dangerous thinking.
KING
But interesting thinking.
QUEEN Sit with me. Let us observe.
(QUEEN and KING sit to the side, watching.)
QUEEN (quietly to KING)
He is restless.
KING
He is human.
QUEEN
Royal first. Human later
KING (smiling)
You were human once.
QUEEN
Once.
(Music swells into ballroom.)
CINDERELLA:
BALLGOER 1
Who is she?
BALLGOER 2
Everyone looks overdressed for destiny.
BALLGOER 3
The Prince must choose tonight!
(STEPMOTHER enters with STEPSISTER ONE and STEPSISTER TWO.)
STEPMOTHER
Remember your posture. Remember your purpose.
STEPSISTER ONE
I practiced smiling for three hours.
STEPSISTER TWO
I practiced breathing near royalty.
STEPMOTHER
You will both dance. You will both shine. And neither of you will embarrass me.
(PRINCE steps forward.)
STEPSISTER ONE
Your Highness, destiny awaits!
PRINCE
So does the music.
(They dance awkwardly.)
STEPSISTER ONE
I practiced smiling for three hours.
PRINCE
I suddenly miss silence.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPSISTER ONE
We are perfect.
PRINCE
I don’t know what that means.
STEPSISTER ONE
Did you feel the spark?
PRINCE
I felt a cramp.
(She bows proudly and exits.)
STEPSISTER TWO
I dance with intention.
PRINCE
I dance with concern.
(They stomp out of sync.)
STEPSISTER TWO
Our feet are speaking.
PRINCE
They are arguing.
STEPSISTER TWO
We are perfect.
PRINCE
I suddenly miss silence again.
(She spins dramatically and exits.)
(PRINCESS GUEST glides in.)
PRINCESS GUEST
I have prepared hobbies for you.
PRINCE
I didn’t know I needed hobbies.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
PRINCESS GUEST
We shall garden. We shall schedule joy. We shall match crowns.
PRINCE
Do any of them include breathing?
(They dance stiffly.)
PRINCESS GUEST
Our lives will be very organized.
PRINCE
I prefer chaos with meaning. (She exits offended.)
FRIENDS (aside)
FRIEND 1
That went badly
FRIEND 2
Historically badly
FRIEND 1
Try again. With someone who isn’t auditioning.
(Music softens. Spotlight finds CINDERELLA across the floor.)
NARRATION
CINDERELLA (V.O. or Live)
Dearest audience…
Sometimes the wrong dances prepare you for the right one.
PRINCE
May I dance with you?
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
CINDERELLA
I don’t know the steps.
PRINCE
Then let’s discover them.
MUSIC CUE 2: Prince & Cinderella Dance (romantic)
(ENSEMBLE forms a circle.)
PRINCE & CINDERELLA (during dance)
PRINCE
You move like you’re listening.
CINDERELLA
I learned to listen to empty rooms.
PRINCE
I learned to talk to crowded ones.
CINDERELLA
Then we meet in the middle.
PRINCE
I don’t feel lonely when I’m here.
CINDERELLA
Neither do I.
(They laugh softly.)
STEPMOTHER & STEPSISTERS WATCH
STEPSISTER ONE
He’s dancing with her.
STEPSISTER TWO
That was supposed to be me.
STEPMOTHER
Control your faces. Confidence is contagious.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
FAIRY GODMOTHER & FAIRY GODFATHER (in shadows)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
The heart has chosen.
FAIRY GODFATHER
Then time must interrupt.
(He raises talisman.)
MIDNIGHT BUILD
SOUND CUE: Clock ticking.
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Cinderella—
FAIRY GODFATHER (smiling) Now.
(He makes a sharp FLICK gesture.)
LIGHT DROP
SOUND CUE: Clock strikes 12
LIGHTING CUE: Flash
PROJECTION CUE: Cracks above
(A staged light drops at DOWNSTAGE CENTER, between Prince and Cinderella.)
ALL BALLGOERS
AHHHHH!
CHAOS
PRINCE
Are you hurt?
CINDERELLA
No—but I—
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(She looks around.)
CINDERELLA
I have to go!
(She runs. One shoe slips off at DSC.)
STEPSISTERS (panicked)
STEPSISTER ONE MY DRESS IS CURSED!
STEPSISTER TWO THE CEILING ATTACKED US!
ROYAL RESPONSE
QUEEN Guards!
KING
Protect the Prince!
(PALACE GUARDS rush in and form shield.)
QUEEN
What madness is this?
Who dares disrupt the royal night?
QUEEN (to KING)
This was no accident.
KING
I felt it in my bones. And in the soup.
(They look where FAIRY GODFATHER vanished.)
QUEEN
Someone moved the night itself.
KING
And scared our guests.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
QUEEN (to PRINCE)
Are you harmed?
PRINCE
No…but she fled.
(He lifts the shoe.)
PRINCE
I must find her.
QUEEN Find her?
Or protect the kingdom?
PRINCE Both.
QUEEN (quietly to KING)
He is choosing with his heart.
KING
That is what you taught him.
QUEEN
Then the kingdom will wait.
(She turns outward.)
QUEEN
This ball is concluded. The night has spoken.
(GUARDS guide royals slightly upstage.)
STEPMOTHER & STEPSISTERS (DSL)
(STEPMOTHER stands frozen, scanning.)
STEPSISTER ONE
The ceiling tried to marry us!
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPSISTER TWO
I felt destiny hit my head!
STEPMOTHER (quietly)
No…
(She looks toward where FAIRY GODFATHER vanished.)
STEPMOTHER (under breath) You.
(She straightens.)
STEPMOTHER Girls. Stand up. This is not fear. This is inconvenience.
STEPSISTER ONE I want to go home!
STEPSISTER TWO
I don’t trust the sky anymore!
(STEPMOTHER pulls them close.)
QUEEN (to KING)
Something ancient has awakened.
KING
Then we must be ready.
(Spotlight isolates the shoe at DSC.)
NARRATION (V.O.)
CINDERELLA (V.O.)
And just like that the wrong dances ended.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
And the right one ran away. But it left a clue.
MUSIC CUE: Transition motif BLACKOUT.
END OF SCENE.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
SETTING:
ACT TWO – SCENE FOUR
“THE SHOE SEARCH & THE FANCY FOOT DANCE”
Stepmother’s house. Morning light. The room is overly decorated and tense—flowers, ribbons, and chairs arranged too neatly to impress royalty. Everything feels performative.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Cinderella’s house – morning light, polished but strained
MUSIC CUE 1: Traveling / Search Motif (soft, curious strings)
(STEPMOTHER paces. STEPSISTER ONE and STEPSISTER TWO stand stiffly.)
STEPMOTHER
Places, girls.
Royal eyes are coming through that door.
STEPSISTER ONE
My ankles feel historical.
STEPSISTER TWO
My toes feel chosen.
STEPMOTHER
Posture. Poise.
Possession of the moment.
Today, you are not daughters. You are destiny.
(A royal knock.)
ENTER QUEEN, KING, PRINCE, FRIEND 1, FRIEND 2, and ROYAL GUARD
(The QUEEN enters first, surveying the room. The KING follows proudly. The PRINCE carries the glass shoe. FRIENDS flank him.)
QUEEN ENTERS & OBSERVES
(QUEEN examines an ordinary chair.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
QUEEN
Hmm.
These chairs are… very optimistic.
(She attempts to sit. The chair creaks. ROYAL GUARD rushes forward and places a pillow on the chair.)
ROYAL GUARD
For Your Majesty
(QUEEN sits.)
QUEEN Much better.
These seats were not built for ceremony.
KING (sitting carefully)
They are courageous chairs. But small.
QUEEN
Everything here is trying very hard.
(She gestures toward the Prince.)
QUEEN (to PRINCE)
Go on, my son. Begin.
(QUEEN and KING move to dignified chairs at the side of the stage.)
PRINCE
We are searching for the young woman who fled the ball.
FRIEND 1
All we have is her shoe.
(PRINCE raises the shoe.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPSISTER ONE
It’s staring at me.
STEPSISTER TWO
It knows my size.
QUEEN
Before we begin… Is there anyone else in this house?
(Silence.)
(STEPMOTHER freezes.)
STEPMOTHER – INTENSE MOMENT
(She turns slowly to the Queen.)
STEPMOTHER
Anyone… else?
(She laughs too lightly.)
There are only the daughters I raised. The ones I shaped. The ones I prepared for greatness.
FRIEND 2
So… no one else?
(STEPMOTHER steps forward.)
STEPMOTHER
There was once a girl who lived here. But she chose the shadows. She chose smallness. She chose to disappear
STEPMOTHER
You are searching for a star. Not a servant.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(A faint silhouette of FAIRY GODMOTHER appears in shadow.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER (softly)
Light cannot be buried forever.
(STEPMOTHER whips around.)
STEPMOTHER
This house contains only what I present to you.
(She snaps to her daughters.)
STEPMOTHER Girls. Dance.
MUSIC CUE 2: “FANCY FOOT DANCE” – STEPSISTERS
(Upbeat, flashy, comedic dance begins.)
STEPSISTER ONE (tries first)
(She steps forward proudly.)
STEPSISTER ONE
Observe the foot of destiny!
(She kicks high. Tries the shoe. It does not fit.)
PRINCE
Does it… hurt?
STEPSISTER ONE
Only my pride!
(She hops and spins.)
FRIEND 1
It’s not agreeing with her.
(STEPSISTER ONE storms off.)
STEPSISTER TWO (tries next)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(She pushes her sister aside.)
STEPSISTER TWO
Stand back.
My foot was born for royalty.
(She jams foot halfway in.)
STEPSISTER TWO It fits!
FRIEND 2
It’s screaming.
(She hops wildly.)
STEPSISTER TWO
I am stuck between greatness and pain!
(The shoe flies off.)
STEPMOTHER (furious but composed)
STEPMOTHER
Girls.
Grace.
This is not a circus.
KING
It feels like one.
QUEEN
Shh.
Let them finish.
STEPMOTHER (to Prince)
STEPMOTHER
My daughters were raised to shine. They were taught to be seen. To lead with light.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
PRINCE
I am looking for someone who saw me.
(Stepmother stiffens.)
FAIRY GODPARENTS (in shadows)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Truth walks closer.
FAIRY GODFATHER
And pride blocks the door.
(They attempt the shoe together.)
STEPSISTER ONE & TWO
Together we are destiny!
(They trip into a chair.)
FRIEND 1
Together you are furniture.
STEPMOTHER
There must be a mistake. Perhaps the shoe is tired.
PRINCE
Or perhaps… we have not met the right foot yet.
(Silence.)
QUEEN
Is there truly no one else in this house?
(STEPMOTHER turns away.)
STEPMOTHER
There is no one of importance.
(FAIRY GODMOTHER steps slightly forward.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Are you certain?
(STEPMOTHER stiffens.)
FRIEND 2
Something feels unfinished.
FRIEND 1
Like a dance missing its last step.
(They look toward an unseen doorway.)
STEPMOTHER
You have seen the best of us.
PRINCE
I don’t think I have.
(Music softens.)
QUEEN (to KING)
This house hides something.
KING
It always does.
(STEPSISTERS slump. STEPMOTHER stands rigid. PRINCE holds the shoe center stage.)
PRINCE
There is still one dance I have not finished.
(Lights subtly shift toward the doorway where Cinderella will enter next scene.)
MUSIC CUE 3: Suspense / Reveal Underscore
BLACKOUT.
END OF SCENE.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
ACT TWO – SCENE FIVE
“THE
SHOE FITS”
SETTING:
Stepmother’s house. Same space as Scene Four. Tense and still. The shoe rests in the Prince’s hands.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Morning light through doorway
MUSIC CUE 1: Soft suspense underscore
(PRINCE stands center holding the shoe. STEPMOTHER stiff at DSL. STEPSISTERS slumped.
QUEEN and KING seated to the side. FRIEND 1 and FRIEND 2 nearby.)
SILENCE
PRINCE
There is still one dance I have not finished.
(He turns toward the doorway.)
ENTER CINDERELLA
(CINDERELLA enters slowly from the doorway. She is in simple clothes, not the ball gown.)
STEPSISTER ONE
It’s her.
STEPSISTER TWO
The one who cleans.
STEPMOTHER (sharp)
You were not called.
CINDERELLA
I heard my name in the room.
STEPMOTHER
You heard imagination.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
QUEEN
Let her speak.
(CINDERELLA steps forward.)
CINDERELLA
I ran because I was afraid. Not of the light… but of being seen.
PRINCE
I saw you.
(Beat.)
STEPSISTERS (comic disbelief)
STEPSISTER ONE
You danced with her?
STEPSISTER TWO
She borrowed my air!
FRIEND 1
She borrowed the dance floor
FRIEND 2
And your future, apparently.
STEPMOTHER (trying to control)
STEPMOTHER
This is a misunderstanding. The shoe belongs to my daughters.
PRINCE
Then let it decide.
(He kneels.)
MUSIC CUE 2: SHOE FIT MOTIF (gentle strings)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(CINDERELLA hesitates.)
CINDERELLA
I don’t belong in this story
FAIRY GODMOTHER (softly, from shadows)
You belong where your heart is known.
(CINDERELLA steps forward and slips her foot into the shoe. It fits perfectly.)
REACTIONS
(A collective gasp.)
STEPSISTER ONE Her foot betrayed us.
STEPSISTER TWO
Traitor toes!
STEPMOTHER (cracking)
STEPMOTHER
No.
No, this is not how it ends.
QUEEN
It ends where it began. With truth.
KING
And very good posture.
PRINCE
I searched for someone who danced like they were listening to the world.
That was you.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
CINDERELLA
I searched for someone who saw me without asking me to change.
(They face each other.)
PRINCE
Will you finish the dance with me?
CINDERELLA
I will if I may choose it.
(They take hands.)
STEPMOTHER (last attempt)
STEPMOTHER
You will regret this.
CINDERELLA
I have lived with regret. I choose something new
(FAIRY GODMOTHER steps into the light.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
A choice made in truth is the strongest magic of all.
QUEEN & KING
QUEEN (to KING)
She stands like a queen already
KING
And her foot fits.
That seems important.
(ENSEMBLE enters slowly, framing Cinderella and the Prince.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
CINDERELLA (V.O. or live)
I was not chosen because I was perfect. I was chosen because I was seen.
(Prince raises her hand.)
MUSIC CUE 3: Cinderella Theme / Resolution Motif
PROJECTION CUE 2: Light fills the house
(STEPMOTHER stands isolated in shadow. STEPSISTERS cling to each other.)
QUEEN
Let the next chapter begin.
(Lights focus on Cinderella and Prince.)
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT TWO.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
FINALE SCENE “THE
WEDDING”
SETTING:
The palace garden. Morning light. Flowers, ribbons, and soft gold light. The space feels open and peaceful—very different from the house and the ballroom.
PROJECTION CUE 1: Palace garden / sunrise
MUSIC CUE 1: Wedding Processional (soft strings)
(ENSEMBLE enters in celebratory formation. FAIRY GODMOTHER stands upstage, watching.)
NARRATION
CINDERELLA (V.O. or live)
Dearest audience…
You have watched a girl run from shadows and step into her own light.
Not because she became different— but because she became brave enough to be herself.
(CINDERELLA enters in her wedding gown. PRINCE waits center stage.)
QUEEN & KING
(QUEEN and KING step forward.)
QUEEN
Today, we welcome a woman who did not arrive with jewels but with truth.
KING
And very good shoes.
QUEEN
You remind us that royalty is not in blood alone— but in character
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
(They gesture to Cinderella.)
QUEEN
Welcome to this family.
(CINDERELLA bows slightly.)
CINDERELLA
I don’t come with a crown. I come with a story.
PRINCE
And I choose that story
(They take hands.)
STEPSISTERS
(STEPSISTER ONE and STEPSISTER TWO enter nervously.)
STEPSISTER ONE
We brought shoes.
STEPSISTER TWO
Not for trying on.
Just for peace.
CINDERELLA
(smiling)
Peace accepted.
STEPMOTHER
(STEPMOTHER stands apart. The FAIRY GODMOTHER steps beside her.)
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Power that hides love will always lose its way
(STEPMOTHER steps forward.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
STEPMOTHER
I taught my daughters to be seen… but I forgot to teach them to see.
(To Cinderella)
You were never ordinary. I was blind.
(Beat.)
CINDERELLA
Then let today be the first day we look at each other clearly.
(Stepmother steps back. Stepsisters join her.)
FRIEND 1
Well… this worked out.
FRIEND 2
No ceiling fell.
That’s growth.
FAIRY GODMOTHER
Magic does not change who you are. It reveals who you have always been.
MUSIC CUE 2: Finale Song – Full Company
(ENSEMBLE forms a semicircle. PRINCE and CINDERELLA center.)
PRINCE
I searched for someone different.
CINDERELLA
I searched for someone kind.
PRINCE
And we found each other.
(They turn to the audience.)
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME
CINDERELLA (to audience)
You do not have to be chosen to be worthy.
You are worthy because you are you.
FINAL IMAGE
(The QUEEN raises her hand.)
QUEEN
Let the kingdom celebrate.
(Confetti, streamers, or light effects. Ensemble dances.)
PROJECTION CUE 2: Golden light / stars / open sky
MUSIC CUE 3: Curtain Call Dance
(CINDERELLA and PRINCE step forward and bow together. FAIRY GODMOTHER lifts her staff. STEPMOTHER and STEPSISTERS stand together. QUEEN and KING watch proudly.)
CINDERELLA (V.O.)
And so the girl who was unseen became the woman who chose herself
And that was the happiest ending of all.
LIGHTS FULL. BLACKOUT.
END OF PLAY.
CINDERELLA: ONCE UPON MY TIME