Barbie Fairytopia | Dolls

Highlights of Barbie’s own Stage Show Fairytopia

You know Barbie as a teen fashion model.  You are familiar with her as taking on any number of jobs, from doctor to astronaut. You are probably even familiar with her as being a high priced collectible item, spawning vicious bidding wars on eBay and other auction sites.  Yet did you know that she was also an actress?  Even more importantly, did you know that she has her own live stage show?

The story is called “Fairytopia” and a lavishly planned production is sure to bring out the little girl in even the most seasoned collector. No expense was spared for this joint venture of Mattel and audio/video powerhouse Clear Channel Entertainment.

Eric Schaeffer will be the director for this extravaganza. In 1992 he received the prestigious Helen Hayes Awards for his version of “Sweeney Todd”, as performed by the Signature Theatre. In 1993 he was honored with the award for his version of “Assassins.” The honor was once again for the 1994 version of “Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love” performed by the Signature Theatre. 1995 saw him honored twice, for “Into the Woods” and for “Wings,” while 1996 saw him honored for “Cabaret.”  In 1997 he received the award for “Passion” and “The Rink.” In 1998 he was honored for his rendition of “Sunday in the Park with George” as performed by the Signature Theatre and then once again by the Arena Stage. 1999 he received the honor for “The Fix,” 2000 for another rendition of “Sweeney Todd” and 2001 or the “Rhythm Club.” In 2002 he was recognized for “Putting it Together” and in 2003 for the Kennedy Center rendition of “Sunday in the Park with George” as well as the Signature Theatre production of “The Gospel according To Fishman.”  This marvelous director is a seasoned veteran of the stage and will doubtlessly expect the highest performance from his actors.

Gregg Barnes has been given the nod as costume designer. It falls to him to not only preserve the integrity of Barbie as a fashion model, but also to elevate her into the realm of the fairies. Of course, with this new “job” that Barbie will be having, you can anticipate that the costumes will be out of this world gorgeous and fanciful.

Do you remember the “Disney on Ice” extravaganzas?  You probably have seen at least one.  Well, if you expect Barbie’s “Fairytopia” to have a similar look and feel, you will be pleasantly surprised.  Rather than making it a big arena production, Mattel has chosen to keep the individual venues small to truly make this a theater experience.  This is certain to attract a larger audience who not only relishes the intimacy of the theater setting, but might also feel a bit lost in a big stadium.

The actress who was finally chosen to portray Barbie as a fairy is 24-year young Erin Elizabeth Coors. Athletically gifted, with a beautiful singing voice, and a Barbie collector to boot, this actress is the first ever “real person” to portray Barbie in a stage production.

Children love the stage show for the fanciful backdrops, the mind-boggling acrobatics and tricky flying scenes that are among the special effects featured during the show. Adults and teens are said to be similarly entertained, because the sophistication of the special effects is something that all ages are sure to appreciate. Glitz, glitter, palettes, and an original musical score underline the action and the spur on the imagination.

So go ahead and treat yourself and your family to a real theater experience that features a first:  Barbie has come to life!