This very popular one-act play spoofs just about everything—fairy tales, magic mirrors, actors, the Mafia, plays about Cinderella. It re-tells the Cinderella tale as it might happen today: A Fairy Godfather shows up because the Fairy Godmother can't get away from her job.

Light comedy, mostly fun, with good character roles. This delightful play can be produced very simply, with a minimum of special costumes (most of the characters can wear modern clothes) and scenery; or it can be given an elaborate production with skilled actors finding an extra challenge in the satire. Thus it is suitable for all groups, from junior high to college and university theatre. Children and adults enjoy it. It is perfect as comic relief in a night of one-act plays.

It begins in the traditional Cinderella manner: the poor ragged little girl who is made to do all the undesirable house work while her socially ambitious stepmother and offbeat step-sisters preen themselves in preparation for a night of revelry. But it doesn't take long for this version of the story to rip out of the rut. Cinderella wants to go dancing, too—and suddenly there is a puff of smoke, and who should appear but her Fairy...Godfather! He explains that the Fairy Godmother has her hands full of laundry and can't come around this time. The Fairy Godfather is full of tricks, but they don't seem to work out right. And when he introduces himself as "The GODFATHER," everyone thinks of another and more vicious type of godfather and exits in terror.

Most of the ingredients of the Cinderella story are present—Prince Charming (only he's Puny Prince Pimple) and the magic slipper appear on cue...but this doesn't turn out the way we expect either. And then ingredients from other fairy tales have a way of popping up—an enchanted frog, a magic mirror...a wolf who wants to disguise himself as a grandma...

Set, the Rumples' living-room; Time, now—or any old time. The number of Wolfie's girl friends may be reduced or increased. A Director's Script (prompt book) is available from the publisher. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization, plot, and theme. It also suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business.

"Our drama class has paid for the royalty fees for two performances of Liberated Cinderella. We would like to pay the fees for ten more performances."—Jackie Galliahan, West Carter High School, Olive Hill, Kentucky. "Both the audience and the actors fully enjoyed the evening." —Alice A. Marks, Konawaena High & Intermediate School, Kealakekua, Hawaii.

Other Stephenson plays: A Christmas Carol, The Jack Tales, Three Old Women's Bet, Treasure Island

See also: Fairytales, Folktales, and Fables