Teacher Resource Guide and Lesson Plan Activities Featuring general information about our production along with some creative activities which will help you make connections to your classroom curriculum, before and after the show.
The production and accompanying activities address North Carolina Essential Standards in Theatre Arts, Goal A.1: Analyze literary texts and performances. Look for this symbol throughout the resource guide for other curriculum connections. About the Play A Cinderella happy ending – just not the one you would expect. In this world premiere musical infused with the dance and fashions of the Roaring ‘20s, Ella’s new step- mother and sisters snap up the dazzling dresses she designs, but don’t think she’s worthy of their glamorous life. When the Duke proves them wrong, Ella must look inside to choose the right path for herself. About the Author Shirley Hughes is an accomplished author and illustrator who has written over 70 books including Dogger and the Alfie series. She has won the Other Award, the Eleanor Farjeon Award, and the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration twice, for Dogger in 1977 and for Ella’s Big Chance in 2003. She was awarded an OBE in 1999 for services to Children’s Literature. She lives near London. About the Playwright and Lyricist: Ella’s Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella Joan Cushing is a former school teacher and cabaret singer. In the Based on the book Ella’s Big Chance by Shirley Hughes 2000s, she began creating musical Adapted for the stage with book, music and lyrics by theater pieces adapted from children’s Joan Cushing books and has since adapted over 13 Directed by Adam Burke titles. According to Theatre for Young Audiences Magazine, Joan About Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Cushing is “the most produced play- Founded in 1948, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has wright in children's theatre”. Children’s Theatre of Char- been opening young minds to the wonders of live theatre lotte premiered Ms. Cushing’s The Christmas Doll in for over half a century. Today it continues to be one of 2007, which won the National Youth Theatre Award for the most technically imaginative and resourceful theatres Outstanding Play/Musical. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in the country. Annually it reaches nearly 300,000 young has also produced Junie B. Jones & a Little Monkey people and their families with multiple program areas: Business, Miss Nelson is Missing, Petite Rouge and Mainstage productions, a professional Touring Company 101 Dalmatians. Several other theatres have produced her and a full scope of Education classes for both schools work including Seattle Children’s Theatre, Imagination and the community. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is Stage, Childsplay, Omaha Theatre Co., Dallas Children’s housed in ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center. Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Nashville Children's The facility is shared with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Theatre, First Stage Milwaukee and Stage One Louisville. Library: www.cmlibrary.org.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Teacher Resource Guide • www.ctcharlotte.org “I’m a dressmaker… not a princess.” - Ella, from Ella’s Big Chance Set in the roaring era of the 1920’s, a kind girl named Ella Cinders is learning the fine art of dress-making in her father’s well-respected London shop. Although both Ella and her father mourn the loss of Ella’s mother, the father/ daughter team rely on one another for both artistic inspiration as well as moral support. Along with Buttons - the shop’s delivery boy and Ella’s friend - life is humming along in this jazz-age story… that is, until Madame Renee steps into the shop with her daughters Pearl and Ruby, turning Ella’s world upside down. Mr. Cinders becomes enamored with Renee and marries her, turning a blind eye to the way Ella is treated by his evil new wife. When news arrives that the Duke of Arc is hosting a ball, Ella is hard at work sewing gowns for her stepmother and step- sisters and doesn’t have a chance to finish a dress for herself...which pleases the stepmother who doesn’t think Ella is worthy of attending anyway. Ella’s Fairy Godmother believes otherwise and magically finishes the gown, sending Ella in glamour to the ball. Like the traditional story, the Duke falls in love, the magic wears off at midnight and the Duke goes in search of the girl who fits the missing glass slipper. But when he shows up at Ella’s door and her foot fits the shoe, the story takes a twist: reminding Ella that dreams come true in unexpected ways.
Cast of Characters and Setting Buttons - a delivery boy at Cinders Dress Shop Mr. Cinders - Ella’s father, proprietor of Cinders Dress Shop Ella Cinders - kind girl and talented dress-maker, daughter of Mr. Cinders Madame Renee - a glamorous but manipulative woman Ruby and Pearl - Madame Renee’s spoiled daughters The Duchess of Arc - a woman of royalty who hosts a ball for her son The Duke of Arc - son of the Duchess who falls in love with Ella Fairy Godmother - an elegant woman, wise and kind with a bit of magic Londoners/Customers/Guests at the Grand Ball Ella’s cat
The story takes place in London beginning in 1918. Scenes occur on a London Street, inside Cinder’s Dress Shop, in the shop’s basement and in the Duchess of Arc’s Grand Ballroom.
Vocabulary Enrichment elegant: adj, pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance chauffeur: n, a person who drives someone around iridescent: adj, shiny, pearly, shimmery with many colors grieving: v, being sad, esp. after someone has died flapper: n, a fashionable young woman in the 1920’s syncopation: n, in music when the beat has unusual accent insinuate: v, to suggest or hint notoriety: n. fame for doing something bad or negative glamorous: adj. full of excitement; fashionable; attractive wistful: adj, quietly sad; hopeful, thoughtful speakeasy: n, a “secret” nightclub or restaurant imposter: n, a person who pretends to be someone else frivolous: adj, foolish, carefree, not taken seriously humiliating: adj, feeling ashamed, foolish or embarrassed beguile: v, to charm or enchant someone swoon: v, being overwhelmed to the point of fainting
Catch Phrases from the Play Guess the meaning of each phrase before reading the answer. “We’re in the clover” - to live luxuriously, derived from a cow being in field surrounded by clover (luxury for a cow!) “Cut a rug” - to dance very well and impress others, suggesting that you dance to the point that you rip up the carpet. “Stay ahead of the curve” - to be forward thinking, to anticipate or instigate something that is progressive. “The Bee’s Knees” - excellent, the highest quality, the very best; akin to “the cat’s pajamas”, “the ant’s pants” or “the gnat’s elbow” — all slang phrases from the 1920’s that have no explanation … just fun ways to say “great!”.
Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy: SL.K-5.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple- meaning words and phrases. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Teacher Resource Guide • www.ctcharlotte.org Questions for Discussion 1. Ella’s full name is Ella Cinders. At what point during the course of the play did you recognize the comparison of her name to Cinderella? 2. When Ella felt overwhelmed in the shop, her father reminded her to finish “stitch by stitch.” Is this good advice? What are other ways we can remind ourselves to take things one piece at a time? 3. What are some of the ways that Madame Renee and the sisters treat Ella badly? Why do you think Mr. Cinders allows them to treat Ella that way? 4. The story explores physical appearances (how someone looks) and personality traits (how someone acts/behaves.) Which is more important: how you look or how you act? Was the Duke intrigued with Ella’s appearance or her sense of character? Mr. Cinder tells Ella that “beauty starts on the inside.” What does he mean by this? Do you agree? 5. Who would you say is the hero (or heroine) in the play? Why? 6. Which character in the play are you most similar to, and why? 7. Think about how Buttons feels when the Duke arrives at the shop Several dance styles were with the slipper. Was it surprising that Buttons was the person who featured in the play including suggested that Ella should try on the slipper? What might have The Bunny Hug, The Turkey happened if Buttons kept quiet? Trot and The Grizzly Bear. 8. Did the end of the story surprise you, or were you expecting the What do these dances have in play to end as it did? Explain any clues in the story that might common? Recreate the dances have led you to anticipate the ending. (as best as you can remember) comparing moves to the animals from which they are named.
Adaptation Then, make up your own animal- Adaptation is the process of taking one story and transitioning it inspired dance! into another story or a different format. An author, playwright or screenwriter must get permission from the original author before writing an adaptation. If you could adapt a story into a play, which story would you choose? Describe the characters, costumes, set, lighting and special effects you would use to create your play.
Theatre Corner Every play produced by Children's Theatre of Charlotte is created in the city of Charlotte by a talented team of designers, carpenters, stitchers, props masters and lighting technicians, not to mention the director and the actors. Because it is presented live, a play is very different from a television show or a movie. As a class, discuss what you experienced when you went to the theatre. 1. Name three things you noticed about the set. How did the set help tell the story? Which piece of scenery was your favorite? 2. Discuss the special effects that were used in this production. Which did you find most interesting or fascinating? How do you think the effects were achieved? 3. The costumes in the play were indicative of the glamorous fashions of the 1920’s. Are any of the styles you saw on stage still worn today? What clothing styles are fashionable now that might be considered “old fashioned” ninety years from now? 4. What role did lighting play in telling the story? How did the lights enhance what you were seeing? 5. Talk about the actors. Were there moments you were so caught up in the story that you forgot you were watching a play? Talk about those moments. 6. Why did the actors use an accent or dialect? 7. Were there any actors who played more than one character? At what point in the play could you tell that it was the same person? What are some ways that you can be the same person but play different characters?
Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy SL2: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or infor- mation presented orally or through other media. North Carolina Essential Standards in Theatre Arts 3.A.1.2: Evaluate formal or informal theatre productions. North Carolina Essential Standards in Music SCR1.1: Understand how music has affected, and is reflected, in culture and history.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Teacher Resource Guide • www.ctcharlotte.org Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China by Comparing and Contrasting Ai-Ling Louie* The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin* Cinderella Stories The Way Meat Loves Salt: A Cinderella Tale from the Jewish Tradition by Nina Jaffe Of all the Fairy Tales that have ever been written, Cinderella is The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella certainly one of the most well-known. A variation of the story Story by Rebecca Hickox* exists in practically every culture on earth. Charles Perrault, a Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella by Jewell Reinhart French author, wrote a version in 1697 which contains many of Coburn the iconic elements we recognize in Cinderella today: the pumpkin coach, the glass slipper, the fairy godmother and animals that The Turkey Girl: A Zuni Cinderella Story by transform to carry Cinderella to the ball. However, the earliest Penny Pollock* Cinderella stories were told centuries before. The Egyptian Adelita: a Mexican Cinderella Story by Tomie Cinderella, Rhodopis, is thought to be the oldest Cinderella story, dePaola* dating back nearly 2000 years. Yeh-Shen (also spelled Yeh-hsien), Fair, Brown & Trembling : An Irish Cinderella the Chinese version, is thought to be the first written Cinderella Story by Jude Daly* story dating approximately from the year 850 A.D. Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella by Jewell Reinhart Coburn Scholars suggest that to be considered a “Cinderella Story”, the Estrellita de oro / Little Gold Star: A Cinderella following elements must be included: Cuento by Joe Hayes* 1. The central character is treated unkindly by relatives. Sootface by Robert D. San Souci* 2. The central character is kind-hearted, generous and optimistic, Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella by Robert D. and proves to be honest and good. San Souci* 3. The central character receives help from a magical source. The Korean Cinderella edited by Edward Adams 4. A royal person acknowledges the central character’s exceptional character traits. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe* Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the Mexican A comparison chart can be a useful tool to contrast various Tradition by Jewell Reinhart Coburn* versions of the Cinderella story. For example: Raisel's Riddle by Erica Silverman Story Title Aschenputtel The Korean Cinderella Moss Gown by William H. Hooks* The Gift of the Crocodile: A Cinderella Story by Author Brothers Grimm Shirley Climo Judy Sierra The Egyptian Cinderella by Shirley Climo* Central Character Aschenputtel Pear Blossom The Golden Slipper: A Vietnamese Legend by Evil Character Stepmother/Stepsisters Omoni, Peony Darrell H. Y. Lum The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece by Magical Source Birds in the tree planted at Frog, sparrows, Black Anthony Manna her mother’s grave Ox Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave by Marianna Cultural influence or German; wedding ritual of Korea; clothing, time period taking shoes on and off temples Mayer Abadeha: The Philippine Cinderella by Myrna J. Objects in the story Golden slippers shoe with a pebble in it De La Paz* How the story ends Ashenputtel marries Pear Blossom marries Chinye: A West African Folk Tale by Obi prince; stepsisters blinded the Magistrate Onyefulu *available at Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries The comparison chart can be a springboard for creating an original Cinderella story by filling in the categories as an outline for the story. It may be helpful to begin with the Cultural influence or time period section. Consider customs or components of the culture that may factor into the story. If the setting is a different time period, consider the elements (travel, fashion) that will be included in the story.
Common Core Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy RL2.9: Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g. Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Teacher Resource Guide • www.ctcharlotte.org The Roaring Twenties Ella’s Big Chance takes place in London in an era known around the world as “The Roaring Twenties.” The Twenties were a decade of dramatic social and political change. The “roar” of the Twenties actually began on November 11, 1918 when Germany signed an armistice agreement, ending World War I. The decade had a significant cultural impact in New York City, Chicago, Berlin, London, Los Angeles and other major cities where the economy was doing particularly well.
The Twenties was an era of liberation for women as females earned the right to vote, represented a larger percent- age in the work force and established a greater sense of independence and individuality. Think about moments in the production when this liberation was illustrated.
Fun Facts about the 1920’s In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby, exploring the ideas of decadence and excess during the Jazz age. Use of the radio gained popularity, popularizing jazz music. In 1922, U.S. President Warren Harding had a radio installed in the White House for the first time. Charles Lindberg took flight, as did Amelia Earhart. Yo-yo’s and Lincoln Logs were popular toys. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. Wonder bread, Milk Duds and Kool-Aid were introduced.
The rapidly growing automobile industry produced new and better models every year to supply the heavy public demand. Increased wages and lower cost vehicles made through mass production meant that cars were becoming more accessible. In 1922, a Chevrolet FB-40 cost around $885.
Thoughts to explore about the 1920’s 1. How did people respond to the growth of the economy in the 20’s? 2. How were women challenging the roles of society during this era? 3. What are the positive and negative outcomes of a prosperous time?
For a more in-depth study, visit the National Humanities Center’s Becoming Modern: America in the 1920’s found at http://americainclass.org/sources/becomingmodern/.
A song in the show, “I’d Rather Dance the Charleston with You” references several notable celebrities of the era. Below are some of the song lyrics that mention the celebrities. Divide into groups and choose one celebrity per group to research. Based on the lyric, guess the talent or significance of each person. Then conduct research about each celebrity. Research can include the life and talents of each celebrity, their impact on the 1920’s, and the legacy of each person in relation to today’s culture. Fred Astaire asked me to dance/ Lloyd George invited me/ James P. Johnson play that tune/ I replied “Not a chance” To Ten Downing Street for tea Oh, how it makes me swoon
Noel Coward wrote a play/ Winston Churchill rang at six/ Charlie Chaplin offered me/ Op’ning night I couldn’t stay To debate his politics Tickets in row two/ I said no, it’s a fact/ Woodrow Wilson came to town/ Cole Porter had a bash/ I’d prefer a different act. But I had to turn him down Gershwin played his latest smash
North Carolina Essential Standards in Social Studies: 3.H.1: Understand how events, individuals and ideas have influenced the history of local and regional communities.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Teacher Resource Guide • www.ctcharlotte.org The United Kingdom, Great Britain and England The setting of Ella’s Big Chance is London, England. Locate England on your classroom map. The geography of England, the United Kingdom and Great Britain can be confusing, so here are some details to clarify each area.
Great Britain refers to the island that includes England, Scotland and Wales.
The term United Kingdom refers to the collective countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its official name is United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The UK is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. The official currency of the UK is the Pound Sterling.
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, but not part of Great Britain.
England is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom and one of the three countries that make up Great Britain. London is the capital of England and also the capital city of the United Kingdom.
North Carolina Essential Standards in Social Studies: 1.G.1: Use geographic representations, terms and technologies to process infor- mation from a spatial perspective.
A World Premiere Production There are literally thousands of oral and literary versions of “Cinderella”. The title reigns as one of the most popular fairy tales in the world. The book version of Ella’s Big Chance was written by Shirley Hughes in 2003. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte instigated the play adaptation in partnership with playwright and lyricist Joan Cushing. The first version of the script was presented in a workshop format at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte during the summer of 2014; changes and adjustments to the script have occurred throughout the rehearsal process. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte will be the first theatre company to present Ella’s Big Chance, making it a world premiere production.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Write to us! Send letters to the cast and crew at: 300 E. 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is sincerely grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters:
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, with funding from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Teacher Resource Guide • www.ctcharlotte.org