ABC re-visits some vibrant musical history
(Commentary/overview on the “Cinderella” musical which ABC will focus on Tuesday, Aug. 23)
By Mike Hughes
In the grand universe of Rodgers-and-Hammerstein musicals, “Cinderella” might be a minor player.
It’s no “Sound of Music” – or “Oklahoma” or “South Pacific” or …
But in the TV world, it’s been big. Now it’s back, taking up all of ABC’s prime time on Tuesday (Aug. 23), with a 25th-anniversary retrospective hour at 8 p.m. and the 1997 production at 9.
What viewers will see is mostly a pleasure. It has splendid sets, zestful Rob Marshall choreography and a cast that’s best in supporting roles – especially Whitney Houston as fairy godmother. Other elements – the songs, the younger actors (including Brandy Norwood, shown here with Houston) in the title role) are pleasant enough.
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