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The magic of musical theater lies not just in its ability to entertain, but in how it teaches us about life, love, and ourselves. This week, we reunite as a hosting duo to explore Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic "Cinderella," a musical that uniquely straddles the line between traditional musical theater and pantomime.

We dive into the fascinating origin story of this beloved show—created specifically for television in 1957 with Julie Andrews in the title role and reaching a staggering 100 million viewers. This makes it the only Rodgers and Hammerstein musical written for the small screen rather than the stage. We trace its evolution through multiple TV adaptations, including the groundbreaking 1997 version starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, before it finally made its Broadway debut in 2013.

The musical teaches timeless lessons about kindness, perseverance, and the power of impossible dreams becoming possible. We analyze memorable songs like the transformative "Impossible/Possible" sequence (which might be one of musical theater's most magical moments) and the comic relief of "The Stepsisters' Lament." The simple yet profound lyrics of love songs like "Do I love you because you're beautiful, or are you beautiful because I love you?" showcase Rodgers and Hammerstein's ability to express complex emotions through accessible language.

Beyond the music, we share behind-the-scenes stories from personal experience with the show, including the challenges of working with live animals (rats and horses—including an attempted horse theft mid-performance!) and the technical magic of on-stage costume transformations. We also debate whether the familiar Cinderella story provides enough narrative tension for a full musical, considering that the glass slipper drops within the first ten minutes.

Whether you're a longtime fan of this classic or discovering it for the first time, join us for a heartfelt exploration of how this fairy tale musical continues to enchant audiences with its timeless message that impossible things are happening every day. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss an episode of our musical theater journey!

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