Madras Musical Association’s ‘Cinderella’ was a harmonious blend of choir and drama

Madras Musical Association (MMA) Cinderella – A Pop Fairy Tale It’s a remarkable change for a choir known for its long classical heritage. Presented at the Museum Theatre, the production moved away from MMA’s usual concert-format performances and moved toward a full narrative musical – with choreography, story arcs and character-driven solos.

The story followed a familiar outline, but the tone was distinctly contemporary. Instead of an orchestral score, the emotional landscape unfolded through pop music spanning nearly five decades. What could have felt like a collage of unrelated hits came together surprisingly well. Be it the playful ‘Material Girl’ or the gentle ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, each song captured its scene perfectly. Augustine Paul’s musical direction kept the production with a steady through-line.

Ella was played by Adeline Cynthia, who played the character without exaggeration or fairy-tale sweetness. Her interpretation felt down to earth, as if Ella was a young woman facing difficult circumstances with quiet resilience. Her scenes with Abraham Matthews, who played Prince Walton, were restrained and natural, especially in the second act when the pace slowed and emotional exchanges took place.

MMA cast and crew Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Deepa Nambiar’s script and direction balanced humor and honesty in a way that felt measured. The stepmother, Suzanne played by Preethi Thomas, and the stepsisters – Vivian and Chloe (played by Samara Mohan and Ryan Benesia) – brought an easy comedic rhythm. The production did not limit them to antagonists, but allowed them to be dramatic, petty, entertaining, and recognizably human.

The choir, drawn from MMA members, carried much of the show’s energy. Their presence moved fluidly – ​​at different moments, they were groups, dancers, background characters or vocal textures. A notable highlight was the choir’s performance of ‘Lacrimosa’, which quietly reminded the audience of MMA’s classical roots.

It was a full narrative musical with choreography, story arc and character-driven solos. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The staging was practical and efficient. Scene changes were smooth and did not interrupt the flow of the performance. The live band supported the singers sensitively, and the overall emphasis was on group performance rather than individual performance.

perhaps the most compelling achievement Cinderella – A Pop Fairy Tale It represents the Madras Musical Association. Known for its rich vocal heritage and international performance history, MMA’s decision to present a full musical reflects a desire to evolve, experiment, and speak to new audiences. The production was not just entertainment, but a sign of artistic openness – a reminder that tradition need not remain static.