November 6, 2025

Madras Musical Association (MMA), famous for its classical music heritage, has rocked the stage with a brand new show: Cinderella – A Pop Fairytale. This exciting performance at the Museum Theatre took a bold leap from MMA's usual concert style to a full story musical, filled with dance, character solos, and a playful plot. The classic Cinderella story is well-known, but MMA gave it a fresh twist. Instead of a traditional orchestra, the entire tale was told through popular songs from nearly fifty years! You might think such a mix would feel messy, but the show's music director Augustine Paul wove it all perfectly together. From the cheeky vibes of ‘Material Girl’ to the soft romance in ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, the songs matched each scene like magic. Leading lady Adeline Cynthia as Ella was a star. She didn’t exaggerate the fairy-tale role but played a real young woman facing life with quiet strength. Her moments with Abraham Matthew’s Prince Walton were easy-going and touching, especially in the slower second half, where emotions had room to bloom. Director and writer Deepa Nambiar mixed humour and heart just right. The stepmother Susan Preeti Thomas and the stepsisters, Samara Mohan and Reiann Benecia, gave funny, relatable performances without turning into simple villains. They felt real and charmingly petty at times! The MMA choir was not just background singers but lively performers who danced, acted, and sang together beautifully. Their stunning rendition of ‘Lacrimosa’ was a lovely nod to MMA's classical roots and gave a powerful reminder of their musical skill. The stage setup was clever and quick, making every scene switch smooth and keeping the story flowing. A live band supported the singers gently, letting the group shine as a tight, talented ensemble rather than focusing on solo stars. What makes Cinderella – A Pop Fairytale truly exciting is what it means for the Madras Musical Association. This show shows MMA’s daring spirit to grow and try new styles. Far from sticking to old ways, they are inviting new audiences to enjoy their music and storytelling in fresh, exciting ways. This isn’t just a show — it’s a colourful new chapter in a long and proud musical journey. Published - November 06, 2025 09:07 am IST

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Tags: Madras Musical Association, Cinderella, Pop Fairytale, Musical Theatre, Choral Music, Storytelling,