About the Show
By Brianna Montague
The year was 1957. The Golden Age of Televisions had begun and America was itching for a new entertaining musical. Peter Pan had just aired live on NBC, starring the lovable Mary Martin. CBS called on Broadway legends, Rodgers and Hammerstein, to put the station back on the map. With the help of their friend, Richard Levine, the duo decided to produce Cinderella starring Broadway newcomer, Julie Andrews, as the title character.
The all-star cast of Broadway royalty included Ilka Chase as the Stepmother, Kaye Ballard and Alice Ghostley as the Stepsisters, and Howard Lindsay and Dorothy Stickney as the King and Queen. The Prince, however, was played by an unknown actor, Jon Cypher. Cinderella was broadcast live for a viewing audience of 107 million people nationwide and 10 million internationally.
Cinderella was a smash hit, amassing the largest audience in television history. 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of this illustrious show that charmed millions around the world.