by guest contributor Christine Warnke
Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan
On a blustery snowy night in New York City, Fran Drescher’s adoring fans trekked their way through icy sidewalks and, like Cinderella’s mice, scampered into their Broadway theatre seats to see Fran in her role as the wicked stepmother in “CINDERELLA” – a Rodgers + Hammerstein Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical.
Drescher is a two-time Emmy and Golden Globe nominee for the title role in The Nanny, which she also created and executive produced, and has authored New York Times Best Sellers, Enter Whining and Cancer Schmancer. She is said to be “over the moon” to be making her Broadway debut in this production.
Stephanie Gibson, Fran Drescher and Ann Harada. Photo credit: courtesy of theatremania.com
There wasn’t an empty seat in the house and as Fran made her entrance on stage, the crowd cheered in delight. Her famous persona in the hit comedy “The Nanny” was evident throughout the play and she delivered her lines with her signature comedic timing. Her one line zingers still carried the same punch as she delivered them on her TV sitcom years ago.
The audience was made up of theatre goers of all ages – some not even born when Fran became a national television sensation.
On Saturday night however, although Fran’s part was to be an evil stepmother, her softer nurturing “nanny” side emerged when she danced with her two step daughters and Cinderella in their home following the Prince’s ball. The play’s set and the almost magical transformation of Cinderella from rags into an exquisite fairytale princess had the audience in wonderment over the technological mastery of this old classic.
Stephanie Gibson, who plays stepsister Gabrielle, and Todd Buonopane, who plays Jean-Michel – her beau in the production
As the last act ended, Fran walked back on stage to thunderous applause………… they finally got to see their favorite Flushing princess. People poured out of the street and quickly made their way to wait at the Back Stage door to catch another glimpse of their hometown girl. Inside the back stage, Fran embraced her friends from Flushing, including the veterinarian who takes care of Fran’s four legged new great love Samson – a Pomeranian. When asked about her other “great love” Fran lit up over her new Indian American “prince” – Shiva Ayyadurai.
Asked about her new theatre role Fran replied that she felt that she had come full circle for this was the second phase of her acting career. As she said: “It is an extreme honor to be making my Broadway debut in Cinderella by Rogers and Hammerstein,” and added “that her television husband/boss, Broadway play producer, Mr. Sheffield, would be so proud.”
As she made her exit out of the stage door, she too turned into a princess in real life for her “glass slippers” were awaiting her in her New York chauffeured “carriage” She returned her gratitude to her fans by coming out to the rope line and giving them that endearing Drescher smile and returned the love.
Fran is a consistent player on the Washington scene, appearing frequently to testify in Congress about women’s health issues. Two supporters and Cancer Schmancer advocates, Christine Warnke of Hogan Lovells and photographer Neshan H. Naltchayan, wouldn’t let the blustery snowy trip from D.C. to NYC stop them from catching up with and congratulating their longtime friend.
Christine Warnke, Fran Drescher and Neshan H. Naltchayan
