Laura Osnes Leads Broadway-Bound CINDERELLA Reading this Month

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that Laura Osnes is starring as Cinderella in the Mark Brokaw-helmed new Broadway-bound production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA. The musical is being produced by Robyn Goodman and Aged in Wood Productions. The reading began yesterday, January 12 and runs through the end of next week.  No announcements for Broadway casting have been made and an Osnes spokesperson could not confirm her participation beyond the reading.

Osnes last appeared on Broadway in the short-lived BONNIE AND CLYDE.  Aditional credits include ANYTHING GOES, SOUTH PACIFIC and GREASE.

With music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II, CINDERELLA is aiming for an opening in the 2012-13 season on Broadway following a workshop production in April.

CINDERELLA reunites Brokaw with Carter Beane, having directed the original productions of the playwright's comedies AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN and MUSIC FROM A SPARKLING PLANET.

Mr. Beane's new book for Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA re-invents the classic tale of a maid-turned-princess with fresh comedy, wit and satire: with pumpkin, glass slippers, Fairy Godmother and other story elements intact, it is now Cinderella's turn to rescue the Prince, reminding us once again that in a cruel world the act that matters most is kindness.

In addition to musical numbers from the original score -- including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible," "Ten Minutes Ago" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?" -- this new production of CINDERELLA will include several songs from the Rodgers & Hammerstein trunk.

One of Rodgers & Hammerstein's most popular titles, CINDERELLA -- which was written for television and debuted in 1957 starring Julie Andrews -- has never been performed on Broadway, although stage adaptations have been performed worldwide since 1958.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

Photo Credit: Peter James Zielinski

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