The Other Cinderella

The Black Ensemble Theater Company continues its 29th season with one of the all-time greatest hits in the company’s repertoire. The Other Cinderella, the first production ever mounted by the Black Ensemble Theater, was an instant hit when it premiered in 1976–starring Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Artistic Jackie Taylor as Cinderella. Now produced every other year by the company, it is an eagerly anticipated part of the holiday theater season.

This production is written and directed by Taylor, who has continued to adapt and update the musical, keeping it current with the times. The show joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afrocentric twist. There’s a “Stepmama” who works at the post office, two stepsisters who “don’t do nuthin’,” the brothers are from the ‘hood, Cinderella was born in the projects and the “fairy Godmama” is from Jamaica. Just as in the “traditional” Cinderella, there is a King, a Queen and a Prince, but in this kingdom, everybody has soul! The Other Cinderella is appropriate for all ages, featuring original music, exciting dance and a heartwarming story that reminds audiences of the greatness of the human spirit.