CHARACTERS
by Douglas Carter Beane
ELLA
Though no one notices her beneath her rags and quiet demeanor, she is opinionated, charismatic, passionate, beautiful, and funny. Idealistic and hopeful, she courageously challenges the prince to change the policies in his kingdom - and helps him discover who he truly is. Always her late father's daughter, she is determined to see the good in everyone despite her hardships and suffering. We see her blossom into a confident woman.
TOPHER
A misguided and lost prince who longs to do something important with his life. Though brave and heroic, he feels lonely and unfulfilled. Charming but NOT a stereotypical ladies man, he is thoughtful, appealing, and innocent - with an unforced goofy streak. Moral, genuine, and kind hearted, he is at a crossroads and must take control of his kingdom and his future.
MADAME
Ella's selfish stepmother. The epitome of vanity and fashion. A ravenous social climber who values wealth, status, and material possessions above all else. Unapologetically dismissive and sometimes cruel, Madame schemes her way up the social ladder.
SEBASTIAN
The kingdom's Lord Chancellor. Though he is Topher's trusted advisor, he is devious and selfish. Using propaganda and dishonesty, he keeps Topher isolated and in the dark about his kingdom. Sebastian rules without regard for the lower class, or anyone other than himself - and truly believes he deserves to rule the kingdom.
MARIE
A friend to Ella and the town's resident crazy lady and beggar woman, Marie is actually a fairy godmother in disguise. Wise, warm, otherworldly, and charming, Marie rewards Ella for her kindness by making her dreams a possibility.
GABRIELLE
Ella's stepsister and daughter of Madame. Encouraged by her mother and sister to value material wealth and social status, she unenthusiastically joins them in their abrasive behavior. Quietly passionate, empathetic, and witty, she is drawn to Ella and Jean-Michel. Ironically aware that she doesn't fit in.
CHARLOTTE
Ella's stepsister and daughter of Madame. Brash, self centered, materialistic, snooty, loud, sassy, and bratty, she has a ridiculously high, but unfounded, opinion of herself. She never passes up an opportunity to be the center of attention.
JEAN-MICHEL
A feisty, passionate peasant determined to make a change for the starving class. Impetuous. A firebrand, but lacks authority and isn't taken seriously as a revolutionary. Has a crush on Gabrielle, though their courtship is forbidden because they are from different social classes.
ACTING TROUPE
In addition to the named character roles above, Cedar Valley Community Theater will cast an ensemble of vibrant performers that will bring this fairytale to life through song and dance. Members of the Acting Troupe will take on many different storytelling roles as knights, peasants, members of the royal court, and fairytale creatures.