Rain can't dampen 'Cinderella' premiere gala

LOS ANGELES — Blame it on wicked stepmothers, missing fairy godmothers or just bad luck, but it rained hard in normally arid Los Angeles for the world premiere of Cinderella on Sunday night.

Just repeat the Cinderella spell, "Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo."

Walt Disney Studios set up a massive tent that covered two Hollywood blocks to host the red carpet for Kenneth Branagh's live-action version of the classic tale (coming to theaters March 13 along with the short Frozen Fever).

Cinderella, as portrayed by Lily James, was able to walk the carpet without getting her Louboutins wrecked. Not to mention the enclosure, which took two days to set up, featured chandeliers and drapery inspired by the movie.

"I feel like a real Cinderella right now," James said. "Look at this place, look at the chandeliers."

Sure, there were little issues like getting to the tent, which required navigating scattered downpours on the closed off section of Hollywood Boulevard. There was also the rare sight of an umbrella check-in on the red carpet.

But the predominantly British cast seemed particularly unbothered by the rain mess and the spots of soggy red carpets.

"I'm managing OK," said Sophie McShera, who plays Drizella, showing off a green, carpet-touching gown. "It might be the kind of thing where the moisture gradually rises up (the dress) and then hits me. But so far, it's all right."

The rain problem was blamed on many things. Helena Bonham Carter, who plays the fairy godmother, did not make the trip, leaving the premiere susceptible to curses and such.

It might have been caused by the world premiere of the short Frozen Fever, which runs before Cinderella, and continues the tale of a kingdom suffering from severe weather issues. But Josh Gad, who stars as Olaf the Snowman in Frozen and Frozen Fever, insisted: "If it was because of us, we would have brought the snow."

"But there is no other place to be in the rain than a Disney event," Gad added. "Not only do they have a tent, but they have chandeliers."

The Sonos Quartet performed inside the tent, along with herald trumpeters, roaming magicians, stilt walkers and jugglers. Guest star Grumpy Cat wasn't happy with the moisture. But visiting stars such as Molly Ringwald and Octavia Spencer enjoyed themselves.

The enclosed area just gave the party "this lovely sleepover quality," according to Cate Blanchett, who plays Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's stepmother.

"This is quintessential Disneyland," said Blanchett. "And actually, it's quite cozy."