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

Madras Musical Association’s (MMA) Cinderella – A Pop Fairytale marked a noticeable shift for a choir best known for its long classical legacy. Presented at the Museum Theatre, the production stepped away from MMA’s usual concert-format performances and moved towards a full narrative musical — with choreography, story arcs and character-driven solos.

The story followed the familiar outline, but the tone was distinctly contemporary. Instead of orchestral scores, the emotional landscape unfolded through pop music, spanning nearly five decades. What could have felt like a collage of unrelated hits, instead came together with surprising coherence. Whether it was the playful ‘Material Girl’ or tender ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, each song carried its scene just right. Music direction by Augustine Paul held the production together with a steady through-line.

The role of Ella was played by Adeline Cynthia, who performed the character without exaggeration or the fairy-tale sweetness. Her interpretation felt grounded, as though Ella was a young woman navigating difficult circumstances with a quiet resilience. Her scenes with Abraham Matthew, who played Prince Walton, were understated and natural, particularly, in the second act when the pacing eased and the emotional exchanges were given space.

The cast and crew of MMA
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Script and direction by Deepa Nambiar balanced humour and sincerity in a way that felt measured. The stepmother, played by Susan Preeti Thomas, and the step-sisters — Vivian and Chloe (played by Samara Mohan and Reiann Benecia) — brought an easy comical rhythm. The production did not reduce them to antagonists, but they were allowed to be dramatic, petty, amusing and recognisably human.

The choir, drawn from MMA members, carried much of the show’s energy. Their presence moved fluidly — at different moments, they were ensemble, dancers, background characters or vocal texture. 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 arcs and character-driven solos.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Staging remained 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 seemed to be on ensemble performance rather than individual display.

Perhaps the most compelling achievement of Cinderella – A Pop Fairytale is what it represents for the Madras Musical Association. Known for its rich choral legacy and international performance history, MMA’s decision to present a full-length musical demonstrates a willingness to evolve, experiment, and speak to new audiences. The production was not merely entertainment, but a gesture of artistic openness — a reminder that tradition need not stand still.