Overblown, but extremely colorful 3rd version, doesn't hold a candle to the original 1957 version with Julie Andrews, although it is better than the dull 60's remake with Leslie Ann Warren. Multi-racial casting is somewhat odd, but not distracting from Rodgers' & Hammerstein's classic television musical. What IS distracting is the freedom taken with the score. R&H should be done exactly the way they wrote it. They did know what they were doing, after all. Houston's Fairy Godmother is annoying, what with her wailing away her songs. Brandy makes a lovely Cinderella; but her breathy vocal ability just doesn't cut it. Palo Montalban, as the prince, is the lone standout. He truly belongs in musicals. The score has been needlessly padded with Rodger's music with Larry Hart (Boys From Syracuse) and himself (No Strings). While it leaves something to be desired, this version of "Cinderella" will be enjoyed by children.
Review of Cinderella
