NYABJ at Disney’s “Snow White”
- pitches3
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
By: Mana Faye
It's no secret that Disney's new "Snow White" reimagining has been surrounded by controversy. However, as a Disney fan, I was excited to see the new twist on the beloved classic. I attended an advanced screening hosted by Disney Studios at the AMC Theater on 34th Street.
MC Mona Swain (War Paint, TINA - The Tina Turner Musical) welcomed a diverse group of Disney fans, all ages alike, among them social media star and content creator Danessy Auguste, and actor, comedian, and internet personality Kalen Allen.
The event was a treat, with a red carpet, candy apple booth, and goodie bags for guests. Swain gushed about Snow White, saying, "I love Snow White; she's in my top five Disney princesses. I'm excited because I love when Disney does live-action retellings. I think they always do it justice."
From the opening notes of "Waiting on a Wish," Rachel Zegler electrified the screen, infusing Snow White with a vibrant energy that set the tone for the entire film. Her powerful vocals and nuanced performance brought depth and complexity to the beloved character, making her a compelling heroine. While Gal Gadot's (née Greenstein) portrayal of the Evil Queen fell flat for me, her stunning costume design and makeup were undeniable highlights, showcasing the film's impressive attention to visual flair.
The set design was also a plus, with vibrant and beautiful scenes. However, the CGI sets felt somewhat animated. I appreciated the new take on the film, which followed Snow's personal journey from timid to fearless. The theme of love was still present, with Andrew Burnap (Younger, The Good Fight) portraying Prince Charming as an ally to his one true love, but the central theme was having the courage to stand up for what's right, even when things may seem scary.
In comparison to other recent Disney live-action films, Maleficent, Cruella, and The Little Mermaid remain my top three. However, Zegler's performance makes this an enjoyable experience for Disney and musical theater fans.
Disney's "Snow White" is rated PG and opens in theaters on March 21, 2025.