Character guide
Ella
from Cinderella
Ella is the kindhearted title character of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, kept as a servant by her stepmother until a fairy godmother changes her fortunes.
- Show
- Cinderella
- Broadway premiere
- 2013
- Role
- Lead
- Music by
- Richard Rodgers
Ella on stage vs screen
Broadway compared with the 1957, 1965, and 1997 TV versions
The Broadway Ella does more than dream of the ball. Douglas Carter Beane's 2013 book has her open Prince Topher's eyes to injustice in his kingdom, a subplot new to that version. Laura Osnes originated the role, and Keke Palmer later played it on Broadway.
On screen, Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the part for Julie Andrews in the live 1957 CBS broadcast, which drew more than 107 million viewers. Lesley Ann Warren starred in the 1965 CBS remake, and Brandy played the title role in the 1997 TV film, opposite Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.
Who is Ella?
Ella is treated as a servant in her own home by her stepmother Madame and stepsisters, yet she remains warm, generous, and quietly hopeful rather than bitter. In this version of the story she is also given a stronger sense of conviction, gently encouraging Prince Topher to care about the kingdom's poor and to think for himself rather than simply follow tradition.
With help from Marie, a fairy godmother figure disguised as a beggar woman, Ella attends the royal ball, meets Topher, and eventually finds her way out of her stepfamily's household, though the Broadway version frames her happy ending as much about her own growth as about the romance.
Ella's role in Cinderella
Ella is the lead female role and carries much of the score, including In My Own Little Corner and the ballad There's Music in You. The part requires a legitimate soprano able to convey warmth and resilience rather than simple passivity.
Laura Osnes originated the role in the 2013 Broadway production, bringing a grounded sincerity to a character who could easily read as merely sweet, and the part has continued to attract performers who can balance old fashioned fairy tale charm with genuine emotional depth.
Ella: frequently asked questions
What show is Ella from?
Ella is the lead character in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, which opened on Broadway in 2013.
Is Ella a lead or supporting role?
Ella is a lead role and the show's title character.
Who wrote the music for Cinderella?
Richard Rodgers wrote the music, with Oscar Hammerstein II writing the lyrics.
Think you can name today's mystery character in eight guesses?
Play today's Character Guesser