If The Glass Shoe Fits: Conclusion

 Thus ends the retrospective, this has been nothing short of fun... most of the time. Revisiting old favorites and discovering a new favorite or two. The clock approaches midnight and there are other topics to cover. Now I feel is a good time to end this one, but perhaps someday I will revisit this topic. For now, there are other shows to discuss, films to cover, live shows perhaps, and proshots, as well as albums and so much more. I have another retrospective planned for the near future. This has been super fun and thank you so much for joining me on this journey. I hope you found a new film, a new song, or something new to enjoy out of this. But it seems the clock has hit twelve on this, and time for a new morning, for new dreams and new ideas, I hope your day is a showstopper. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: The 1997 Special

Here we are, this is my favorite adaptation of Cinderella, ever! This made for television special in 1997 starring Brandy, Whitney Houston, and so many more in an amazing star-studded cast is the version of Cinderella I go to when I want to show someone or watch this classic tale. Adapted from the version created by Rodgers and Hammerstein, adding new songs that have even carried over to the revival tour, and performed perfectly. This is the version that just fits perfectly for me.

This version has a Cinderella take the helm who is quiet and keeps to herself but is a big dreamer, and who is kindhearted. Every character is as if the story book came to life, and told the tale as you know it, but in such a great way that it is still groundbreaking. Though never given a theatrical release, this version has the scope, the songs, and choreography of a film that does. It is pure fun from start to finish, the songs are upbeat and grand, as well as sometimes quiet and somber, but the pacing is nothing short of fantastic. 

The message about dreaming, and how to not give up because someone will never know when the impossible will become possible is simple yet powerful. The songs turning this into a tale for all ages to enjoy. I have been through many versions, and it feels so refreshing to not see someone try to fix what doesn't need fixing by adding extra edge, or three storylines that end up going nowhere. This story has no twists, no surprises, but rather does what it sets out to do so well that it is one of the best. 

Each song not only fits into the narrative but is a delight and is so well performed. The costumes, the sets, everything invoking a warm, welcoming story that is worth hearing. This version is on Disney Plus and is an absolute must if you have not seen it, for the amazing music and fantastic performances. There may be many adaptations of this version that came before it, and some that came after, but this is my absolute favorite. Rewatching, it filled me with joy, from the songs not having one out of place or breaking to pace, to the amazing performances, the great sets, and simple yet powerful message. This is one of, if not the best version of this story in my opinion. It is on DVD, digital, and Disney plus and is one hundred percent worth your time. 

Every song, every performance, the writing, the jokes, they all land one after the other into a great telling, of one of the best Cinderella adaptations out there, adding new songs that have since been kept shows how amazing this version is.  This is one wish come true that is worth the watch again, and again. 

I Saw My First Musical Live In 2 Years..

 The last show I saw before the lights went out was Hamilton in February of 2020 on Super Bowl Sunday, I had an opportunity or two to see a show, but life got in the way, and I would not be able to make those local performances, outdoor theater and concerts, or even a tour of Hairspray. But now the wait is over, I have seen a show since the lights went dark and that in fact was Hamilton, on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022. This is the best case of de'ja' vu I have ever had. So, this week we are taking a short pause from our retrospective and having processed the unreal feeling of seeing a live show again. I decided to recount my experience. 

The venue I went to require every patron to be fully masked, and have either a negative covid test, and for the sake of the future of the arts, I say yes. There are many reasons to get vaccinated, from helping protect others and yourself, and one reason to add to all the others is help save the public arts. I will do what I must, and I gladly wore a mask the entire time, it did not stop my enjoyment. It did not hinder me from watching the show, from hearing the wonderful performances, or buying souvenirs. 

I saw the Phillip Tour, which was the touring cast I saw before the lights went dark on the stage for almost two years. Every performer did wonderful and, the choreography was nothing short of amazing, all of it was amazing. The show was amazing from beginning to end, I am glad that it is available to watch as many times as possible and whenever a viewer wants on Disney Plus, but even with that this show is fantastic live. And since I have seen this show multiple times live, it must be stated that it was as amazing as it was the first time, I saw it. If it is not coming to your area the Disney Plus version is fantastic and has the original cast, this show is nothing short of amazing. Hamilton is worth all the hype it gets, with unforgettable music, a gripping story, and fantastic characters. 

 I was filled with such joy and happiness to be back in the room where it happened. There is nothing quite like seeing live theater. It felt like seeing an old friend who had been gone too long. I cried, tears of joy traveled down my cheeks as the lights went dim, and the music began. I was at home and have felt so happy. This filled me with such joy that I am on cloud nine, seeing this had me looking into all the local theaters, both those who were local and those who host musical tours. 

Theater is back, and even with bumps in the road, I hope it stays. Seeing a show live again filled me with such joy that only live theater could give. Settling in, having the lights go down, the music come on, and the cast bring me into a world not my own. Seeing Hamilton as my first show back was extra special, worth the drive, and worth everything. Do what is necessary to see live theater and support it, and to keep it going. It has been gone but seeing it return is nothing short of breathtaking, and to finally be a part of it again, made me smile ear to ear even after the final bow. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: Rodgers And Hammerstein

 Now we have arrived at a version of this narrative that is very much beloved. The classic from two giants of the golden age, the version that has been done time and time again. This one has many adaptations within this adaption, so let's not waste a moment more and dive right in. 

This telling of the tale is as classic as the Disney animated original, made in the 1950's and winning over audiences both on television and stage many times, this version stands the test of time. Older versions having less content than newer versions to expand into a longer yet still enjoyable experience, both versions are enjoyable. This version of the narrative is lifted straight from the pages of the story book, though with some violence toned down, this is a fun, inspiring, and enjoyable version. The story is as you know it, finally no twists, modern takes, or ideas that take away from this wonderful story.

A story of kindness, determination, and dreams. A message of the impossible becoming possible, and to never give up hope. This version has seen multiple television specials, and quite a few tours on stage. If you wish many of the television specials from the 50's, 60's, and 1997 can be found on DVD or online. The album of the 2015 revival of this show also is a great listen start to finish. I personally recommend the 1997 version and adaptations that follow after as there are more songs, that extend this fun and uplifting narrative in the best way possible without overstaying it's welcome, dance numbers, more songs, and just more fun in general. 

Why look into this? To put it simple, it is fun, inspirating and has an amazing score. No song falls flat, the tone is always just right, and each song fits the scene it is like a glass slipper. This version is a great way to tell the story, while adding a dynamic cast, great music, and unforgettable songs. This is as classic as it gets for me, so much so that I think I want to discuss my favorite one. The 2015 album is worth your time if you are curious, give it a listen and enjoy it perhaps. It is worth your time, but it is my second favorite version of this tale, my first being one that you can find not only on Disney Plus but in my next post. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: The 2021 Amazon Prime Edition

 As we continue our journey through this retrospective our next stop, much like the version made by Andrew Llyod Webber thar I covered recently was released last year. This one as an Amazon Prime exclusive starring a myriad of talented people, and some Broadway alums as well. This version much like a work I have delayed covering "Diana The Musical" on Netflix has garnered much disapproval, criticism, and ranked as some of the worse musical media in recent years. But I have to cover and cannot put it off any longer! Is this truly as awful as people say? The only way to find out is to view it so let's go on this carriage ride we may or may not wish to forget.

This is so bad... that is worth a watch, it is so bad that it's good. I was laughing and in a confused state the entire time for all the wrong reasons, so let's cover the true positive aspects. Billie Porter is amazing as always and he steals every scene he is in. Every performer is a great singer, and the songs, though this is a jukebox musical are enjoyable they are fun. Unlike the album I covered a couple weeks back, I actually joined the musical, they were songs we all know like "Somebody To Love" and "Material Girl" but it is fun. 

The story adds a bunch of modern additions that do not work, including the music being a jukebox musical, it is well performed but it always breaks the pace of the show. The comedy falls flat, and they try to add new story lines like businesswoman Cinderella, arranged marriages, status, the prince being viewed as stupid and being with the bros all the time, a princess who is not allowed to govern and more.  All these storylines mean and lead to nothing as they just keep returning to the tale we all know, they are not additions because many of them never land, if you wish to be different then you must commit. But this version has so many different storylines all with a world that is ho hum that we have seen so many times before that they are just extending the length without investing the audience.

As for the dialogue, it is a mess, a mix of flourish and modern lingo that will make you laugh but not at the jokes. Every joke falls flat, and the characters are one dimensional as the pages of the story book they are adapted from. They try to make it modern and raise questions and make statements, but they never land.  The worst character being the king played by Pierce Bronson, he is so irredeemable that every scene he is in makes you hate the character. The only ones that could give him a run for his royal money are the mice who not only add nothing, are not funny, and add annoying screeches to songs, but are also made with terrible CGI. The film is shot well enough, but the effects are laughable. The songs all being recognizable making this a jukebox musical is super distracting, but the music is fun. The choreography is great, and this is well performed, but the music doesn't fit, and the writing is terrible.

The jokes, modern story lines akin to a workplace comedy or drama and modern lingo never fit and make for a ton of laughs. This film is so bad that it makes for a great watch with friends to enjoy. Nothing in this film works aside from the performances and singing and even those don't fit. This has to be seen at least once just to see how poorly made an adaptation can get. Adding modern elements and current songs to date a timeless tale. So even though it doesn't work there is entertainment to be had here and tons of fun, with some great covers of songs we all know, I can say I enjoyed this much more and laughed much more than I did with the Andrew Llyod Webber version, even if for the wrong reasons. This may not be good but is worth an enjoyable watch with friends and talking about way past midnight. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: The Animated Disney Classic We All Know, The Sequel, And The One You Should Know About

 We cannot do a Cinderella deep dive without mentioning the classic animated film. To this day many see it as the definitive way of telling the story, fun visuals, memorable songs, as if the story came to life. This story has reached generations and is still being shown today. It is timeless and will probably continue you on for years to come. Disney saw this and even rebooted this story and given it a sequel or two, so let's dive into this adaptation, it is a must when talking about Cinderella. Before I dive in, I will not be covering the reboot because I have not seen it, and it is not on Disney Plus for some odd reason, but all three animated versions will be. 

The First

What can be said about this timeless film that has not been said? This is to many the best Cinderella adaptation and if they said so I can see why. This film holds up in terms of quality and the way it tells the story. Yes, it adds the talking mice, and some songs, as well as toning down the violence of the original but that is just fine. This adaptation keeps the spirit of the original while showing Cinderella as a kindhearted, dreamer who longs to be something more. Though not note for note with the original story, the heart of the tale surges through this adaptation. The songs are timeless favorites that can still be performed today, this film holds up, and all the praise it has garnered still stands. This film is as good as it was back then as it is now. The animation and look of this film has such a classic look, the songs a sound that is hard to forget. The versions of these characters such as the Stepmother, Sisters, Fairy Godmother, and even Cinderella herself here are the versions that most people think of when they hear the name Cinderella. That makes perfect sense for this tale is truly timeless. It holds up and the best way to describe this film is a timeless classic. A great trip down memory lane and to spend an afternoon, a timeless, feel-good story. 

The Second

"Dreams Do Come True" is the title of this direct to DVD follow up and dreams will happen because this film is an absolute snooze. This is NOT how to follow up the timeless classic that proceeded it. Three mini stories tied together none of them interesting aside from the final story where Cinderella helps one of her sisters find love in a surprisingly sweet story. The jokes never land, the writing is super simple, and this entire sequel is as pointless as a smashed pumpkin when the clock is at 12:15. The music is all pop songs and not fun ones either, they were in one ear and out the other. Aside from the last story, and good animation for direct to DVD, this is story worth skipping in its entirety. The characters who are still great don't have much to do and that is why this plot drags. Definitely don't give this dream come true a single thought. 

The Third

A film titled Cinderella 3 A Twist In Time feels like a joke, but it's not, and this movie is incredible. I will not dive into the plot because this one is really worth a watch, but I will say that it involves time travel, a sinister plot, true love, and plenty of funny and even heartwarming moments. There are some plot points that are not the best, and some are a tad contrived. But the good outweighs the bad in spades. There are elements that carry over from Cinderella 2 even surprisingly, but I recommend just looking up the easter eggs, though one of the plot points from the second film is acknowledged and dealt with. This one makes the second film necessary in more ways than the entire second film ever did. The songs are fun and better the second one, there are some great jokes, and a ton of surprisingly sweet moments. This film is a must, and each character has something to do to advance the plot, the animation spectacular for direct to DVD. This one is worth watching time and time again.

If you wish to watch these, all three are on Disney Plus, but we are not done with this platform just yet, but that will have to wait for another night. 

If The Glass Shoe Fits: Andrew Llyod Webber's Cinderella

 

Image Source: PR Newswire

Info Source: Wikipedia

There are a few newer takes on the tale that I plan on covering, among some of my favorites we got two new adaptations of the classic tale last year, one on Amazon Prime and a delayed American production, but a West End Production and Album for Andrew Llyod Webber's take on this story. Though it has yet to come stateside, the plot synopsis is on Wikipedia, and I will sum up part of it but let me just say you are going to want to know the plot or at least a general idea for this show. The album mentions parts in the songs that you need a knowledge to fully understand, so let's see where this show stands just based off of the songs when the clock strikes twelve. 

Without giving a full-on synopsis, the town and kingdom is perfect, there were two princes but now just one, Cinderella doesn't wear makeup and she always speaks her mind, everyone has to be perfect, the fairy godmother is a plastic surgeon, and everyone has to be perfect and is obsessed with their status and looks. The plot is wild and even after reading about the events and listening to songs multiple times, it is not the best take on the tale. It is super mean spirited, complicated in places where it didn't need to be, and that is with me leaving parts out. The show is super mean spirted and has a jaded cynical edge, for every single character. Even though the plot did not bode well with me. There are some twists that did not fit for me, such as crass jokes or ideas of the outfit from the godmother being too painful to wear that Cinderella would pass out by midnight. To a prince and Cinderella giving into what others say in very out of character moments. I can only hope the music don't by Andrew Llyod Webber fares better for me.

The music for this was a mixed bag, and actually reminded me of Webber's last work "School Of Rock The Musical" as in the genre and tone are all over the place. This show is a mixture of like three different genres of music, from traditional Broadway, to punk, to acoustic and more. And some of these songs are great. Albeit Cinderella has three ballads that all sound the same that are all about the same thing of being a loner and outcast. Some of these songs are stupid fun, like one with all the "Hunks" of town and how they feel about the prince. Some of the songs are fun, but even in the songs I like not all of the lyrics hit.

Some of the lyrics took me out of the experience or enjoyment of the song, on top of the songs even having a sad or cynical edge. This story is a Cinderella tale about marrying for love, not being ashamed of who you are and being yourself. But a ton of the songs are about giving in, being picked on, or how sad or unnoticed the character is that I feel like this loses the spirit of the classic tale. It is so negative, and the constant genre hopping had me confused, so much so I went back and listened to "School Of Rock" a show I covered on this blog a LONG time ago and they sounded super similar. Constant genre swapping, tons of cynicism, jumbled lyrics, unclear motivations, tons of characters and giving all of them a song. They felt like the same shows with only a different set piece.  The leads dejected outcasts, with love interests too scared to step out of the box (The prince even worse because he takes everything the wrong way), a huge ensemble with a ton of group numbers that start and stop the plot constantly. It was hard to tell the difference after a while.

That being said, some of these songs are beauitful, some of the ballads are great, some of the song's fun, and some are great listens. For me personally the jokes being included, and negative edge took me out of the experience as I found myself tired of the constant negativity and occasional crassness. The songs I did like were good, and if you want a bunch of genres mixed together give this show a listen. There is about two hours' worth of music, but you may find yourself moved or entertained, so give the album a listen, and if you enjoy the show and music that's great! 

For me this Cinderella was hard to root for, she was constantly negative, down, or giving up. She is always wanting to run away, give in, and giving into being like those around her when her and her prince have songs about how they love being different. This shows dour tone, uninteresting leads, and a soundtrack that is all over the place, matching the plot appropriately, all tied together with a weak and muddled message had me wanting more. There are good songs, good ideas, and a good show buried in here, but as is, I was okay skipping this ball and staying home.