The play begins on a rainy day in a far off kingdom. Mortimer the mouse is found sitting on a stone wall which divides the garden from the Pitchen’s household. He introduces Cinderella, the stepdaughter of Prunella Pitchens. She enters and starts scrubbing the hardwood floors. Mortimer then introduces Prince Frederick. He and Mortimer have been delivering invitations to the royal ball. The king and queen have invited every available female in the kingdom. They want Prince Frederick to marry soon.

Though the prince and Cinderella have never met, Mortimer believes that they are meant to meet very soon.

The garden gate swings open and into the courtyard enters Prunella Pitchens with her two daughters, Glynnis and Zorinna. They are complaining of the coming rain (The Rain Song) They enter the house and see Cinderella humming to herself. Mrs. Pitchens complains that Cinderella is not doing the chores fast enough. Cinderella’s stepsisters join in the tirade. Cinderella asks why none of them can help with the household duties. The wicked stepmother and her two homely daughters explain that they are not suited for such menial tasks. (Beautiful)

Prince Frederick enters through the garden gate, followed quickly by Mortimer his personal assistant. Frederick is tired of delivering invitations to the ball. He has been invited into every house he has stopped at. He doesn’t believe that he wants to get married. He explains, that no matter what, he will probably never be lucky in love. (Never Any Luck) Mortimer slides the invitation through the mail slot and Cinderella opens it. She gets very excited, but quickly realizes the invitation was not meant for her. What would a pauper wear? How would she get there? She’s just the stepdaughter to a woman who has no love for her. She shares the prince’s concerns. (Never Any Luck Reprise)

Mortimer decides to deliver the rest of the invitations for the prince. Frederick looks miserable and Mortimer tells him to go off riding horses in the woods. Besides, Mortimer wants a chance to introduce himself to Cinderella and convince her that she must go to the ball. He sneaks in and surprises her. Needless to say, she is surprised to find a talking mouse in her kitchen. He finds it difficult to get her excited about the ball. She seems so depressed and sad. Mortimer believes the first lesson he must teach her is to open her mouth. (Smile) Believing his first meeting a success he scurries off through the cracks in the wall to finish delivering invitations.

The stepsisters and the wicked stepmother discover the invitation to the royal ball and start devising a plan of attack. Either Glynnis or Zorrina must be the one that marries the prince. Cinderella joins in the excitement and is quickly reminded of her place in the family. What would she wear? Everything she owns is patched and covered with cinders from the fireplace. The stepmother quickly starts teaching her clumsy daughters the snares and lures that they must use to catch the prince. (Noses Up)

Cinderella is found alone sweeping the floor, imagining that she too is at the royal ball. As she is dancing with her broom, who she imagines is her prince, she hears an unearthly voice coming from outside her door calling to her. She goes outside to find her Fairy Godmother. She is there to enchant Cinderella. She concocts a beautiful ball gown and slippers made from pure glass. (Wishing Will) She leaves Cinderella with one warning. She must leave the ball by the stroke of midnight because the magic will wear off at that very moment. The Fairy Godmother waves her wand and Cinderella is off to the ball.

Meanwhile Cinderella’s step family has already arrived at the ball. (There’s A Ball At The Palace) As they are introduced to the prince, the wicked stepmother makes an attempt to woo the prince for her two daughters. (I Was meant To Have A Royal Home) The stepsisters are making fools of themselves so their mother rushes them off to scold them for their incompetence.

Cinderella enters. Mortimer sees her and introduces her to the prince. He is instantly enamored by the beautiful young woman. They dance and talk about their feelings of loneliness and find that they have so very much in common. (Finally) The stepmother and stepsisters enter the ball once again to find the prince dancing with a beautiful, elegant lady. As they are about to declare war upon this mystery woman, the clock chimes the hour of midnight. Cinderella panics fearing that she has waited too late and her identity will be revealed as the poor girl from the cinders. She runs off, accidentally leaving her shoe behind. The prince confesses his love for her to Mortimer. Mortimer suggests that every young maiden in the kingdom try the shoe on until they find the foot that fits the shoe.

Cinderella enters through her gate dressed once again in her patchwork dress. She feels sad and alone once again. The ball a distant memory of what can never be. Mortimer and the Fairy Godmother come to comfort the poor girl and try to give her hope. (Let’s Pretend) But all she feels is desperation and hopelessness.

The next morning finds the Pitchens family preparing for the coming slipper, and talking about the mysterious girl who left the ball. (What To Do About The Shoe)

The stepmother sends Cinderella off to the market as the Prince is coming down the lane. She sees him and runs off fearing he will no longer love her if he discovers who she really is. The stepsisters try on the shoe, one after the other. Neither one of them can get their huge feet in the tiny glass slipper. Cinderella walks through the door and the prince recognizes her face. He runs after her with the shoe and convinces her to try it on. Slowly she agrees and, of course, it is a perfect fit. Cinderella explains and they confess their love for each other. She agrees to marry the prince and they all live happily ever after.