Impressive Creative Team Brought On Board
The production will be created by Mattel and Clear Channel Entertainment, and they have hired well known director Eric Schaeffer (his musical productions have received six Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Musical) and Tony-nominated costume designer Gregg Barnes (Broadway credits include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Flower Drum Song) plus a team of others to creatively produce Barbie's first-ever, touring live theatrical stage show. Costume designer Gregg Barnes said, "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to design for Barbie - she is a fashion phenomenon. It is a great honor to bring to life the fantasy and grandeur that she inspires among all ages." The show will focus on the adventures of Barbie as Elina, the main fairy of the Fairytopia tale.
Mattel Says Audiences Will Be Transported
"Mattel Entertainment is thrilled to announce the incredibly talented and multi award-winning creative team for 'Barbie Live in Fairytopia!," said Richard Dickson, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Mattel Brands Consumer Products and Girls Creative. "Along with Clear Channel Entertainment, we have truly assembled a Broadway-caliber, all-star line-up of behind the scenes masters that will transport audiences to the magical land of Fairytopia, where glittery fairies and magical creatures will delight hearts and create new life-long memories for Barbie fans of all ages."
Lavish Costuming and an Original Musical Score
Plans for the production include beautiful costumes and detailed backdrops inspired by the Fairytopia DVD, and special effects will include flying fairies. The musical score will be completely original to this production. The live stage show is the logical progression for Barbie entertainment after six Barbie films on DVD that have sold millions of copies.
Who Will Play Barbie? Open Audition Planned
One of the most critical aspects of this production is: who will play Barbie? After all, Barbie is an icon to girls and women worldwide. Although there have been Barbies cast before (on floats, in high-end New York toy stores, etc.) never before has a "live" Barbie been seen so widely by so many. Casting for Barbie as Elina will begin in early-December. If you know someone who might be the perfect real-life Barbie, they might want to send their resume and photo for consideration (to Stuart Howard Associates, 207 West 25th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10001). Also, there will be an open casting call on December 5, 2005 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Times Square Studios, 1500 Broadway, New York, NY. If you are thinking "giant media event" you are probably right--portions of the audition may be broadcast on national television on "Good Morning America."
For Further Information
For more information on the show, tour cities and locations (so far, 32 locations are listed) and ticket information as it becomes available, visit www.BarbieLive.com.
