Angelina Ballerina: The Show Must Go On--Christmas in Mouseland

Based on the children's books by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig, this “full-length” (40-minute) animated holiday special finds ballet-crazy young rodent Angelina (voiced by Finty Williams) excited about trying out for the part of Cinderella Mouse in an upcoming Christmas recital to be performed in front of Queen Sarafina! Although she thinks she's perfect for the role, visiting musical director Mr. Operatski (special guest voice of Sir Derek Jacobi) feels that while Angelina's dancing is terrific, her lack of singing skills make her more suitable as the Wicked Stepmouse and assigns Cinderella to Priscilla Pinkpaws. Angelina gloomily appeals to dance instructor Miss Lilly (Williams' mom Dame Judi Dench), who encourages Angelina to do the best she can, but our heroine's pride gets in the way, and she whines about the unjustness of the situation, childishly tries to upstage Priscilla, and even causes a sledding accident that injures Miss Lilly (nearly canceling the show), before ultimately pulling herself together, fixing things with all affected parties, and playing her fiendish part to the fullest. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams)