Cinderella Doll Photo Gallery
Once upon a time—well, actually, it wasn’t so very long ago—just about a week past, I was treated to one of the nicest days out in many, many eons. For Mother’s Day and for my daughter’s First Communion, my very good friend, Cathy, took us to Broadway to see “Cinderella.” Featuring all of the lush Rodgers and Hammerstein score, with a few not very notable new additions, the musical is more than enjoyable. It’s positively enchanting.
My friends Betty and Frank, who are very jaded theatergoers, told me that it is a “perfect production,” and I think they are right. All of the cast—from princes to peasants, fairies to foxes—are first-rate and so entertaining. I’m sure this staging will be given a road company soon and a national tour. Plus, with the exposure it is bound to get at the Tony Awards (Sunday, June 9, CBS), people all across the world will get a chance to experience the thrills and splendor. I can’t recommend it highly enough! Go if the opportunity affords itself.
Now, as I was watching the musical, I remembered the TV versions that have defined each viewing generation. The original black-and-white special showcased the superlative soprano of a young Julie Andrews. The second interpretation—in living color—introduced America to Lesley Ann Warren. The most recent television spectacle featured Brandy as Cinderella and the late Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother in an inspirational multicultural presentation.
What’s fascinating about these three small-screen versions, and the Broadway presentation as well—is that there is nary a flaxen-haired Cinderella amongst them. None of these ingénues, including the new Broadway starlet (Laura Osnes), has golden tresses. So, why, then, do we all envision the most famous rags-to-riches heroine as a blonde?
Cinderella Dolls from Disney
Obviously, the Walt Disney cartoon has had a far-reaching impact since its 1950 release. For more than 60 years, that animated fairy-tale rendering has colored our collective notion of what Cinderella should look like.
It’s interesting to see how doll artists have responded to the Cinderella follicle challenge. Many have approximated the Disney-fied version of the classic heroine, giving her butter-yellow hair and a sky blue gown. Others have gone off and added their own touches of whimsy and glamour.
The fable of Cinderella’s heartfelt desire for one special, lovely night, and her eventual reward of gaining a prince and a kingdom, holds an allure for everyone. Because she’s shown to be so earnest, so humble, and so nice, her wish for a better, splendid existence doesn’t come across as materialistic or spoiled. In fact, due to the mistreatment she’s had to endure from her wicked stepfamily, one could argue Cinderella was owed that tiara and throne!
In the new telling of the tale, the book has been altered to blend a little social commentary with wry, gentle feminism. Unlike the proverbial glass slipper, this is the perfect fit for any theatergoer who wants to surrender to magic and joy.
And, if you want to hum some “Cinderella” music—the Disney or Rodgers & Hammerstein version—here is a divine array of different Cinderella, Wicked Stepmother, Fairy Godmother, silly Stepsisters, and charming Princes to drool over. (Plus, a little YouTube magic to help you along, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSWK01a5gAE)
Collectors, everywhere, enjoy this Happily Ever After musical interlude … and this photo gallery of Cinderella dolls from DOLLS magazine.
