The time has finally come for fans to get reintroduced to the world of Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, now streaming exclusively on Disney Plus.
Cinderella (Brandy) chafes under the cruelty of her wicked stepmother (Bernadette Peters) and her evil stepsisters, Calliope (Veanne Cox) and Minerva (Natalie Desselle), until her Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston) steps in to change her life for one unforgettable night. At the ball, she falls for handsome Prince Christopher (Paolo Montalban), whose parents, King Maximillian (Victor Garber) and Queen Constantina (Whoopi Goldberg), are anxious for him to find a suitable paramour.
There have been so many different retellings of the story of Cinderella, and many of them have failed to do the story justice. However, one of the best versions of the tale is Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. I don’t really remember much about this film as I was around 6-years-old when it came out, but what I do remember is just how much joy this movie brought me. Now, at 30-years-old, this movie just as captivating as ever before. This version of Cinderella is such a beautiful, magical gem of a movie filled with a stellar multiracial cast, and still can’t believe this came out in 1997.
This movie was so progressive – what happened over the years, Disney! The movie’s strength comes from its impressive costumes, its stunning sets, and several catchy musical sequences. The cast is just perfection with Bernadette Peters as deliciously snotty as the wicked stepmother, and I just adore Whoopi Goldberg, who brings a quirky charm as the prince’s mother. Major kudos must be given to the late Whitney Houston is shines a the wisecracking, but warm fairy godmother. And, we can’t forget Brandy, who, in my opinion, is the best Cinderella. Jason Alexander, best known for his role in Seinfeld, skillfully handles the humor of his role as the prince’s assistant.
Overall, this movie knocks all other versions of the story out of the park (although I will always love Disney’s animated classic). Now that it’s finally streaming on Disney Plus, where it belongs, everyone can enjoy the magic that is Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
What did you think of the film? Sound off in the comments.
