Once the premiere of the DVD version of “Cinderella” was over, 800 moviegoers spilled out of the Ziegfeld Theater. They then walked up 54th street before making a right onto Park Avenue. From there, it was just a few short blocks to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Where — inside the grand ballroom — an elegant party was already underway.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Where beautiful ballroom dancers swirled around the floor …
Photo by Nancy Stadler
… As a string quintet played onstage.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Elaborate buffet tables laden with prime rib, shrimp, tuna and chicken were scattered all around the hall. While — off to the siderooms of the ballroom — huge displays of desserts had been set up. Where guests (including “The Greatest Game Ever Played” co-star Josh Flitter [center, in black, wearing Gus-Gus mask] ) enjoyed dipping all sort of sweets in the chocolate fountain.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
If you happened to make your way up to the grand ballroom’s second floor, you could have taken the “Art Walk.” Which featured some of the artwork that is showcased in the “Extra Features” section of the “Cinderella” 2-disc set. Among the pieces that were on display were model sheets for Lucifer …
Photo by Nancy Stadler
As well as several concept paintings & photographs that celebrate the career of Mary Blair …
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Photo by Nancy Stadler
For the youngsters that were attending the Royal Ball, there were plenty of activities to help keep them occupied. There were various stations around the grand ballroom where little girls could get their hair braided or their nails done for free. They could decorate crown-shaped cookies. These kids could even get their pictures taken with their favorite character from “Cinderella.”
But perhaps the most bizarre thing going on at this Sunday’s ball was the Swiffer Wet Jet challenge. Where two little girls — most of whom were still dressed in the frilly gowns that they’d worn to DVD’s premiere — were encouraged to race against one another to see who could mop a floor cleaner faster using this new Procter & Gamble product. Seeing all these cute little ladies making like they were scullery maids while they were still dressed as princesses was — as I said earlier — just a trifle bizarre.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Speaking of Procter & Gamble: Given that this home cleaning giant is one of the Walt Disney Company’s promotional partners for the platinum edition of “Cinderella,” it only made sense that — as all the guests were leaving the party — they were given a free copy of this new 2-disc DVD as well as their very own brand-new Swiffer Wet Jet to use at home.
So free food & drink at a fancy-schmancy hotel as well as a complimentary DVD & Swiffer. That’s one way to clean up when you’re visiting the big city.
Your thoughts?