Music is by Baron Boris Fitinhoff-Schell; the libretto is by Lidia Pashkova (ru: Лидия Александровна Пашкова) and Ivan Vsevolozhsky.

Nevertheless, the production was an enormous success due to the ovation given to the Italian ballerina Pierina Legnani in the title role.

Also successful was the spectacular Night tableaux of Act III, representing the Nile, Granada and Paris with each number beginning by the dancers and scenery rising out of a lake at the back of the stage with the wave of the Good Fairy's wand.

The only part of the score that is still heard is the female variation in polka rhythm danced in the Mariinsky Theatre's version of the so-called "Le Corsaire Pas de Deux".

The hour of their departure for the royal celebration is approaching and their toilettes are not yet finished; they begin to smarten themselves up, angry and astonished at Cinderella's absence.

Scene 4 Alone and sad, Cinderella dreams about the pleasures of the ball, imagining the dances, but realising that she cannot go, and hurries about her work.

Amazed by the good will and patience with which Cinderella bears her undeserved debasement, she promises to grant her any wish.

With pleasure the Fairy agrees, but on the condition that she stay no later than midnight: with the last stroke of twelve o'clock, all the luxuries granted her will disappear.

ACT II – The Throne Room of the Castle Scene 1 Courtiers have gathered to greet the King, and promenade in expectation of his arrival; a few make lively conversation about the celebration.

Scene 3 Just then the herald's trumpets sound, announcing guests from Moscow and Poland, who, charmed by their welcome, pay their respects to the King and take their places.

Scene 4 Cinderella enters; Prince Charming, respectfully offering his arm, presents her to the King, Queen and court.

The Prince lavishes his attentions on the newly arrived princess and the King and Queen invite her to take a place next to them; this causes Aloisa and Odette to bear her malice and to envy the unknown guest.

Odette and Aloisa also take part in the dances and try to attract the Prince's attention, but he is charmed by Cinderella's beauty.

With the last stroke of twelve, she suddenly remembers and quickly retires at the moment her mother walks up to the Prince and engages him in conversation.

Scene 2 On the day after the ball, Cinderella, wishing to see the Prince again and to look for her lost slipper, comes to the royal garden.

Scene 3 The Good Fairy appears, and wishing to help her favourite again, still reproaches her for disobeying and not coming home in time.

Trumpets sound; the herald announces that Prince Charming will choose as his bride the woman whose foot fits the slipper which was found.

The onlookers are struck by Cinderella's beauty and the Prince, delighted, declares his love to her; her sisters beg forgiveness for treating her badly.