Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is based on the French version called Cendrillon, ou la petite pantoufle de verre ("Cinderella, or The Little Glass Slipper") by Charles Perrault. The plot revolves around a young woman mistreated by her cruel stepmother and selfish stepsisters, who dreams of a better life. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella transforms into a princess and finds her prince. 

It was challenging to combine the elements of the rented sets and costumes, but the director and I worked hard to ensure coherence throughout the piece. I was inspired by storybook artists like Edward Dulac, who could create magical images that still looked realistic.

Color was essential to me, as throughout the story, Cinderella (Ella) lit up the world around her and influenced everyone for the better. In scenes with her, the color palette was warm and bright, using yellows, oranges, and pinks to brighten the scenery. On the other hand, Prince Topher was put in a lot of blues, representing his isolation, both in light and in friendships, as he had no one to rely on. My idea was that when Cinderella goes to the ball for the first time and teaches everyone about the concept of kindness, she warms the world around them and, in turn, brightens Topher, making him a better king. The piece shows that even Ella fades away from her ideals. When her stepmother rips her other ball dress in Act 2, we see her shrouded in isolation and blue, like Topher. But we watch her return to her warmth with the help of the Fairy Godmother in "There is Magic In You."

Throughout the show, circles were used as a recurring motif. It all began as an idea between me and the choreographer for the waltz at the ball to emphasize the clock motif in the dance. However, it soon became a symbol of Topher and Ella's emotional connection and their little world. These circles appeared when they first met, shared their first dance, and even acted as a guiding light at their wedding, reinforcing their love and care for each other.

The lighting captures the timeless elegance of Rodgers & Hammerstein's magical fairy tale by utilizing color, isolation, and texture.