Show Synopsis:
This musical shows three separate stories tied together by the theme of wanting something, getting what one wants, and then failing to want it anymore. The first story is the story of Adam and Eve and their sons Cain and Abel. The second story is "The Lady or the Tiger?" where a princess has to choose between saving her love and watching him marry another, or watching him get eaten by a tiger. The third story is a modern adaptation of Cinderella exploring the perils of fame and remaining true to yourself.
Character:
Ella, a young woman who wants to be a famous actor and not a chimney sweep; desires love more than wealth and fame but does not realize it until she is wealthy and famous.
Song Context:
Ella longs to be famous, instead of a plain nobody.
Fun Facts:
1. The story of Ella is based on Jules Feiffer's illustrated satire Passionella.
2. Barbara Harris originated the role of Ella on Broadway and received a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
3. This musical was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical.
"Chimneys are cozy,
Chimneys are warm.
I think of chimneys as ports in a storm.
What warm and cozy, or not.
I would give up a lot.
If I could only be a movie star,
A movie star.
Ooh, to be a movie star,
A beautiful, glamorous, movie star.
No one imagines,
I harbor this hope -
People who know me,
Keep sending me soap.
Lacy soot stains and tar,
They'd see how wrong they are.
If I could only be a movie star,
A movie star.
Ooh, to be a movie star,
A beautiful, glamorous, radiant, ravishing, movie star.
I'd be so grateful, that after premieres,
I'd sweep out the theatre and fold up the chairs.
I would know what it meant, to be truly content.
If I could only be a movie star.
Prospects look dismal, how can I go on?
My piggy is empty, my Kleenex is gone.
If I starve here alone,
Let them carve on my stone:
?She never got to be a movie star.?
I'm not asking much.
It's not as if I wanna be a rich, glamorous, beautiful, movie star.
Or even a well liked beautiful, glamorous movie star.
I just wanna be a beautiful, glamorous movie star.
Gloria Jones, same!
A beautiful, glamorous, radiant, ravishing ? achoo! - movie star."