Stellar 'Cinderella'
Self-esteem fulfills a dream in lively musical

Date: October 30, 1997
By Lon Grahnke

From Chicago Sun-Times
Submitted by: Larry A.


Cinderella
* * *

Forty years after Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" made its world premiere as a TV musical -- with Julie Andrews in the title role -- the fairy-tale romance returns to the tube with a rainbow coalition of pop stars, a Broadway diva and an Oscar-winning film actress.

ABC's "Wonderful World of Disney" revives the wish-fulfillment fantasy with Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, pop singer Brandy Norwood from the "Moesha" sitcom as Cinderella, Bernadette Peters as the wicked stepmother, Whoopi Goldberg as Queen Constantina and "Seinfeld" co-star Jason Alexander as Lionel, the valet for Prince Christopher (Paolo Montalban -- no relation to Ricardo).

Despite self-indulgent performances approaching Ethel Merman proportions, Houston and Peters still win grins with their flamboyant characterizations and bombastic vocals. Alexander sings and dances like the musical veteran he is, gliding smoothly during his big production number. And Goldberg puts heart over humor in her regal role.

Norwood and Montalban project sweetness and yearning as the young couple united by magic. Shy Cinderella meets charming Prince Christopher (dressed as a commoner) in the village market. They feel a certain spark, and sing a duet.

"I've lived a very sheltered life," Cinderella tells Chris.

"So have I," says the crown heir.

King Max (Victor Garber) and Queen Constantina want the prince to get married and expand the royal family.

"I have no life of my own," Chris says. "I want to be in love when I marry." To appease his parents, he agrees to dance with every eligible female in the kingdom during a matchmaking ball.

Cinderella's haughty stepmother and clumsy stepsisters (Veanne Cox as Calliope and Natalie Desselle as Minerva) will attend the ball, even though they have no chance of attracting the prince. Calliope snorts when she talks, and Minerva scratches herself.

Cinderella must stay at home in her corner.

"Know your place," the cruel stepmother tells her. "Be satisfied with what you've got."

But Cinderella dares to wish for a lovely gown, an elegant coach and a chance to meet the prince. She is somebody. Her self-worth sustains her. This heroine discards "once upon a time" and speaks to a new generation.