The Cinderella story has its roots in 7 BCE Greece, but the most well-known European rendition is Charles Perrault’s Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper, which was published in 1697 in a volume of stories known familiarly as Les Contes de ma mère l’Oye (Stories of Mother Goose). Since then, the universal story has been refashioned for myriad formats, including film, television, and the stage. Cinderella, her adorable animal friends, and the tune “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” remain iconic today.
In 2013, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella made its Broadway debut. With a rewritten book courtesy of Douglas Carter Beane, the production had a successful run through January 2015, spawning a national tour in 2014. The popular musical has been staged across the country ever since and will be alighting in Santa Barbara November 27-28. Presented by the Theater League, the organization that brings Broadway favorites to the Granada, the show’s previews attest to this rendition’s vapor, lighting, and magical wonder.
Carter Beane’s modern script promises characters with depth, including Cinderella, the prince, and even the evil stepsisters. “They have twisted the story,” said Kaitlyn Mayse, who plays Ella in the Theater League’s production. The thriving young actress now lives her dream at 25 years old. She moved to New York after graduating Indiana University to pursue her passion for acting and has advanced by leaps and bounds professionally. Amid her country tour and hectic rehearsal schedule, Mayse managed to squeeze in a light-hearted interview with the Santa Barbara Independent. The following is an edited interview with Mayse about the Broadway production and her role as Ella.