Character guide
Marie
from Cinderella
Marie is the fairy godmother of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, who first appears disguised as a beggar woman.
- Show
- Cinderella
- Broadway premiere
- 2013
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Richard Rodgers
Marie on stage vs screen
Broadway compared with the 1957, 1965, and 1997 TV versions
Broadway's Fairy Godmother spends much of the show in disguise. In Douglas Carter Beane's 2013 book she is Crazy Marie, an old woman who gathers what others throw away, later revealed as Ella's fairy godmother. Victoria Clark originated the role.
On screen the character is simply the Fairy Godmother: Edie Adams played her in the 1957 CBS broadcast and Celeste Holm in the 1965 remake. Whitney Houston first approached producers about playing Cinderella in the 1997 TV film, then, feeling she had aged out of the role, took the Godmother part and offered the lead to Brandy. That version gives the Godmother the finale There's Music in You, a song written for the 1953 film Main Street to Broadway.
Who is Marie?
Marie spends much of the show's early scenes disguised as a wandering beggar woman, testing the kindness of those around Ella before revealing her true identity as a fairy godmother. Her disguise allows the show to underline its theme that true character shows in how people treat those who seem to have nothing.
Once revealed, Marie provides the magic that transforms Ella's pumpkin, mice, and rags for the ball, guiding her toward the royal palace while making clear that the real transformation the show cares about is Ella's growing confidence, not just her appearance.
Marie's role in Cinderella
Marie is a supporting role and one of the score's biggest vocal showcases, built around the soaring Impossible, later reprised as It's Possible, a song about believing in change against the odds. The role calls for a powerful, warm voice capable of carrying the show's emotional high point.
Victoria Clark originated the role in the 2013 Broadway production, earning a Tony nomination, and the part has become a favorite for veteran musical theatre performers given its blend of warmth, humor, and vocal power.
Marie: frequently asked questions
What show is Marie from?
Marie is a supporting character in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, which opened on Broadway in 2013.
Is Marie a lead or supporting role?
Marie is a supporting role, serving as Ella's fairy godmother.
Who wrote the music for Cinderella?
Richard Rodgers wrote the music, with Oscar Hammerstein II writing the lyrics.
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