Over the years, fans of singer and actor Brandy have learned to “never say never” or believe that something is “impossible” – and their patience and perseverance have been rewarded. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella”, the 1997 TV movie starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, is officially coming to Disney Plus.
Disney announced on Thursday that the beloved musical film will be released on the streaming service “at midnight” on February 12.
The film’s streaming debut has been long awaited by fans and Brandy herself, who asked the streamer to acquire the rights to the project last summer while promoting their latest album, B7. “Disney can come and get Cinderella. That would be incredible, ”she said. Well, consider your wish granted.
Thursday morning, Brandy met with Goldberg, appearing on ABC’s “The View” to announce the news:
“It is remarkable that people have begged for ‘Cinderella’ to be relaunched for almost 24 years. I mean, what do you think, is it possible? “Goldberg provoked.
“It is definitely possible. I thank the fans, ”replied Brandy. “I’m so excited that Cinderella now has a home at Disney plus and we can celebrate, share and inspire a whole new generation.”
EXCLUSIVE: @ 4everBrandy announces in @In cash Rodgers and Hammerstein’s #Cinderella will debut in @disneyplus February 12th!
“We can celebrate, share and inspire a whole new generation to see this wonderful piece,” she tells us. pic.twitter.com/GVqNeM4Cf1
– The View (@TheView) February 4, 2021
“Cinderella” originally debuted during ABC’s “The Wonderful World of Disney” on November 2, 1997. More than 60 million viewers tuned in to the live-action fairytale adaptation television broadcast, which featured Brandy as Cinderella and Houston as your fairy godmother. The film was hailed as an instant classic, both for celebrating diversity and representation through its A-list cast (including Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander, Veanne Cox and the late Natalie Desselle Reid) and for the perfect original Rodgers & Hammerstein songs, “Impossible”, “In My Own Little Corner”, “Ten Minutes Ago”, “A Lovely Night” and “Do I Love You because you Beautiful?”
And it certainly didn’t hurt that two of the most popular musical artists of the decade were singing the melodies. At the time of the film’s release, Houston won the Grammy and profitable “The Bodyguard” star Waiting to Exhale “and” The Preacher’s Wife “five times, while Brandy was starting his run on the groundbreaking” Moesha “series. “
In addition to becoming a fan favorite, the musical film was also a critical success. He received seven Emmy nominations in 1998, winning art direction for a variety of musical programs.
Robert Iscove directed the film based on a script by Robert I. Freedman. Rob Marshall, who later directed “Chicago”, “Into the Woods” and “Mary Poppins Returns”, served as a choreographer. Houston, Debra Martin Chase, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron were executive producers. Chris Montan served as a producer, while Robyn Crawford was an associate producer.
“I am absolutely thrilled that our Rodgers and Hammerstein Cinderella will finally be available on Disney plus!” producer Debra Martin Chase said Variety. “As the service started to work, I was inundated on my social networks by questions from fans who asked why the film was not included in its schedule.”
After Brandy got in touch, Martin Chase consulted with Disney Plus President Vanessa Morrison to resolve some outstanding rights issues.
“It is so gratifying that more than 25 years later, our Cinderella is still relevant and loved,” said Martin Chase.
The film will be part of the Disney Plus collection “Celebrate Black Stories” alongside “Soul”, “Black Is King”, “Black Panther” and “Hidden Figures”.