Mattel's Barbie dolls it up for 'Nutcracker' pic
Direct-to-video prod'n slated for October release
Mattel's Barbie doll will play Clara in the 84-minute, $15 million CGI direct-to-video production of "The Nutcracker," slated for release in October. An hourlong television version is being shopped.
New York City balletmaster-in-chief Peter Martins will choreograph the movie's ballet segments, and the London Symphony Orchestra will perform the music.
The dance sequences -- cut to about 15 minutes -- will be motion-captured by five principal dancers from the New York City Ballet.
Barbie will be voiced by Kelly Sheridan, Ken by Tim Curry. The storyline was adapted by screenwriters Hilary Hinkle and Linda Engelslepen, with new characters added that Mattel is transforming into toys.
No airhead
Barbie will be shown as a modern heroine, in contrast to her airhead cameo role in "Toy Story 2." She had previously appeared in a workout video and in a full-length feature that was scrapped by Mattel about five years ago.
The toymaker expects revenue from all "Nutcracker" products, including the video, a book, eight dolls, a Hallmark Christmas ornament and related licenses, to top $100 million in 2001.
The 42-year-old Barbie doll had a makeover last year, and sales in 150 countries worldwide reached $1.5 billion, up 6% over the previous year. Mattel said the average American girl between 3 and 11 owns 10 Barbie dolls.
