and though the stepsisters forbid it, Cinderella kindly offers her food. After they leave for the ball, the beggar returns and reveals herself as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. With help from the four season fairies, she magically transforms Cinderella for the Ball—turning rags into a gown, a pumpkin into a carriage, and mice into companions. She warns Cinderella to return before midnight. At the ball, the Prince is enchanted by Cinderella and ignores the stepsisters. They dance all night, and Cinderella loses track of time. As the clock strikes midnight, she flees, leaving behind a glass slipper. ​ ~ 20 minute intermission ~ ​ Act II (30 minutes) The next day, the Prince searches the kingdom, having every maiden try on the slipper. Discouraged, he nearly gives up—until the Fairy Godmother leads the Jester to Cinderella’s house. There, Cinderella fondly remembers the ball. The Prince arrives, and the stepsisters try the slipper, but it doesn’t fit. When Cinderella’s second slipper accidentally falls from her pocket, the Prince realizes she’s the mystery girl. He proposes, and they marry in a royal celebration, living happily ever after.