The Penny Friend is a musical with music, lyrics, and book by William Roy based on a play by J. M. Barrie, A Kiss for Cinderella. It featured Bernadette Peters in her first Off-Broadway role. William Roy later worked with Peters as a writer, arranger and conductor for her nightclub act.Jones, Kenneth."William Roy, Songwriter and Pianist Who Collaborated With Julie Wilson, Dead at 75", playbill.com, September 4, 2003
Production history The Penny Friend opened off-Broadway at Stage 73 on December 26, 1966, and closed on January 22, 1967, after 32 performances. The director was Benno D. Frank, and musical numbers were staged by Lou Kristofer. The producer was Thomas Hammond (Bernadette Peters' manager).
Plot summary The story involves a girl who thinks that she is Cinderella, and whose friends go along with her story. After talking about attending a ball, she actually appears to be at the ball. However, it is soon evident that her story is all fantasy. In reality Cinderella is lying unconscious in a snow bank. She is brought to a hospital where she dies.
Characters and cast Cinderella -- Bernadette Peters Mrs. Maloney—Georgia Creighton Mr. McGill—Bill Drew Kate Bodie—Charlotte Fairchild Maudie—Terry Forman George—Dewey Golkin Lady—Sherill Price Invite—Jimmy Rivers Policeman -- Jamie Ross Mr. Jennings—John Senger Charles Bodie -- Michael Wager
References
External links Lortel Database "A Kiss for Cinderella" on Internet Movie Database