Cast Changes Announced for 'Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella' on Broadway

The pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen, probably most famous for her 2012 pop single “Call Me Maybe,” will make her Broadway debut in early 2014 in the title role of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the show’s producers announced on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Ms. Jepsen will replace Laura Osnes when the latter completes her yearlong run in January. The pop singer will begin Feb. 4 for a 12-week run. She will be joining the previously announced Fran Drescher, who will also make her debut on that date.  Ms. Dresher has been cast as the cruel stepmother from Feb. 4 through April 13.

According to a news release, Ms. Jepsen, grew up in British Columbia with dreams of acting on Broadway. She performed in high school productions of “Annie,” “Grease” and “The Wiz” before turning her focus to creating her own music. She also attended the Canadian College of Performing Arts after high school.

Online reaction to the replacement of the lead character has been mixed, but reviews of the show to this point have been positive. After reading the opinion of Chip Deffaa on Theaterscene.net, I would love see it. This video montage is equally convincing.

The stage version of Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA debuted on Broadway on Jan. 25, 2013, featuring a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and direction by Mark Brokaw. The show will begin a national tour in 2014. A launch city has not yet been selected, but their website will be updated with tour information as it is announced. 

"Can’t say enough about Cinderella. It's the new Wicked. @LauraOsnes is perfect. The whole cast is!  It was spectacular."̶̶ Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) on Twitter