Cinderella’s Keke Palmer, Sherri Shepherd and Judy Kaye Step into History

 

By Brian Scott Lipton

 

At only age 21, film and television actress Keke Palmer has already taken some very big steps towards to becoming a superstar. Now, this exuberant and talented actress is filling some mighty large shoes – or should we say glass slippers – when she takes over the title role of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at the Broadway Theater on Tuesday, September 9. Not only is she tackling a part that has been played in various incarnations of this beloved musical by Julie Andrews, Lesley Ann Warren, Brandy, and Laura Osnes, but she is making theatrical history by becoming the first African-American actress to play this coveted role on the Broadway stage.

Palmer isn’t the only person joining the ensemble of this long-running family favorite. Popular TV talk show hostess Sherri Shepherd, who recently retired from ABC’s “The View,” will play Madame, Cinderella’s evil and greedy stepmother, beginning on September 9, while two-time Tony Award winner Judy Kaye will be spreading her special brand of magic as Cinderella’s fairy godmother, starting on September 12.

On September 3, Theater Pizzazz spoke with these three extraordinary women about their excitement over joining the show and becoming a role model for young girls, among other topics. Here’s a look.

Cinderella at The Broadway Theater (1681 Broadway at 53^rd Street) 212-239-6200 – closes January 3, 2015

*Interviews: Brian Scott Lipton

Video/Photos: Sandi Durell