They're Creepy and They're Spooky

Characters from the Broadway musical The Addams Family, currently playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, will be recreated in a series of dolls by Madame Alexander. The doll editions of the titular family's matriarch, Morticia, as well as children Pugsley and Wednesday, will be available in June. The Addams family patriarch, Gomez, will be released in September.

Based on the iconic characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams, The Addams Family features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. The production is directed and designed (sets and costumes) by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch, with creative consultation by Jerry Zaks and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
The company currently features Nathan Lane (Gomez Addams), Bebe Neuwrith (Morticia Addams), Jackie Hoffman (Grandma), Carolee Carmello (Alice Beineke), Terrence Mann (Mal Beineke), Kevin Chamberlin, (Fester), Krysta Rodriguez (Wednesday Addams), Swenson (Lucas Beineke), Wesley Taylor (Lurch), and Adam Riegler (Pugsley Addams).

For further information and tickets, click here. Additional information about the Madame Alexander dolls can be found by clicking: http://store.heastore.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=HEA&Category_Code=CA.

Reunited?

Barbie and Ken, who split in 2004 after 43 years together, are possibly getting back together, according to posts on the dolls' social networking sites.

The blond bombshell called it quits with her longtime beau in February 2004, and announced a new love in her life -- an Australian surfer named Blaine.

It's not clear what's happened to Blaine -- maybe he was just too plastic -- but after seven years apart, Ken is trying to woo back his former flame.

Toy manufacturer Mattel Inc. is using Facebook and Twitter to test the waters on whether the iconic doll duo should reunite.

Ken, who has reinvented himself as the new "Sweet Talking Ken" doll -- soon to hit toy stores -- is tweeting that he thinks he and Barbie "are perfect for each other."

"If you do too, vote YES for her to take me back," the Malibu hunk tweeted.
Mattel says the revamped Ken doll is "the ultimate boyfriend for every occasion," because he "says whatever you want him to say!" according to a report on Marshable.

For Barbie, however, an Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton-like comeback might not be so easy.
"@OfficialKen and I have had some fab times," she posted on her Twitter feed. "I just don't know what to do!"

The public can weigh in on whether Barbie should "take Ken back" by voting on the website barbieandken.com, where the love-o-meter currently points toward "Let Him Down Easy."
You Decide: Should Barbie and Ken Get Back Together?

Designers Fawn O'er Ken

What a doll!

Barbie's boy toy Ken is set to get a high-fashion makeover thanks to new duds from Billy Reid, Yigal Azrouël, Spurr, Robert Geller, Nicholas K, and Michael Bastian, WWD reports.
The six designers will create date looks (ranging from movie to rock concert) for the plastic playboy, who celebrates his 50th birthday this year.

Live models will don the designs on February 13 for a runway show at Christie's, which will display the wares from February 14 to 20.

"The promotion is a partnership between Mattel and the CFDA and coincides with a marketing campaign launched by the toy-maker last month to determine whether Barbie and Ken will reunite after their years apart," adds WWD.

"Poll results will be revealed on Valentine’s Day—and so far results look good for a rekindling of the relationship."

Stardoll and Mattel Join Forces

Stardoll, the online fashion and celebrity community for girls between the ages of seven and 17, announced Tuesday that it has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with toy manufacturer Mattel to launch Stardoll’s first physical product line this fall. No word on what the product line will include at this point, but it’s Mattel, and Stardoll is a virtual paper-doll world, so the product line will presumably include dolls and their outfits.

Founded in 2006, Stardoll has collaborated with Mattel in the past to work with such brands as Barbie, Fashionistas, and Monster High, which have a broad appeal to Stardoll’s target demographic of teen and pre-teen girls. The campaigns have included the creation of a fan club, exclusive dolls, and the launch of a virtual store.

“The reason Barbie and all of Mattel's venerable brands have stayed popular over the years is we keep them relevant through innovation, trends and smart partnerships,” a Mattel spokesperson commented, though declined to say what the product line will include. “Stardoll is an incredible brand and the association is a natural one to keep people engaged in our Brand."
In September 2010, Stardoll teamed up with publishing giant Random House to produce an interactive online book, called “Mortal Kiss,” for teens in time for Halloween.

One chapter was published each week, leading up to Halloween, and registered Stardoll members could dress the characters in different outfits, participate in online writing contests based on themes from the book, explore a map of the fictional New England town of Winter Mill, where the story took place, and interact with other Stardoll members on the site to discuss the story.

The project was the first time Random House had ever created an online interactive reading experience on a social media platform.

As it turns out, “Mortal Kiss” was such a huge success that Random House Children’s Books announced in January that it would publish a printed copy of the book for readers who missed the Web version, marking the first time that Stardoll stepped out of the virtual world and into the physical retail world.

The Stardoll network includes Stardoll.com, which focuses on entertainment and fashion, Piczo.com, a visual blogging social network, and PaperDollHeaven.com, which offers an online gaming experience geared towards younger girls who are interested in dolls and fashion. The company has 92 million registered members and sees 15 million unique visitors each month.

"Real HAir" Doll Coming!!!

You watched Justin Bieber age alongside Ozzy Osbourne in his Super Bowl commercial. You rushed out to Wal-Mart buy his One Less Lonely Girl nail polish, picked up the life-size cardboard cutout at FYE and already bought tickets for the opening run of his 3-D big screen debut in "Never Say Never."

What other ways could possibly left for you to show your total and utter devotion to Justin Bieber? How about the Justin Bieber "Real Hairstyle" doll? After some fans complained that last year's JB Style Collection Figures and Justin Bieber Music Video Collection Singing Figures were missing the Bieb's signature locks, the manufacturer of those dolls has upped the ante. According to a press release from The Bridge Direct Inc., a new set of Bieber dolls will hit shelves in August, complete with a more authentic Bieber swoop cut.

The Justin Bieber "Real Hairstyle" dolls will make their debut during the American International Toy Fair in New York (February 13-16), which happens to coincide with the opening weekend of "Never Say Never."
"When we introduced the first series of Justin Bieber dolls right before the holidays last year, the most frequent comment we heard from fans — besides how much they love them — was: 'Why doesn't the doll have Justin's hairstyle that you can comb?' " the Bridge President Jay Foreman said in a statement. "We heard the fans loud and clear, and we're thrilled to be able to offer them the doll they've been waiting for later this year."

While the original dolls "sang" clips of the Bieber hits "Baby" and "One Less Lonely Girl," the new ones will come loaded with "U Smile" and "Never Say Never," with fashions inspired by some of Bieber's signature looks, from beachwear to red-carpet outfits. The figures will also come with accessories such as a skateboard, backpack and sunglasses.

The $17.99 dolls will be accompanied by some new set pieces, including the Rockin' Tour Bus and Concert Stage playsets, which retail for a piggy-bank busting $79.99. The bus opens up and transforms into a stage with lights, a spinning floor and an MP3 dock with speakers. It also features a backstage lounge that converts from a dressing table to a media room.

The Twilight Zone, Living Doll-Talking Tina Part 3/3

The Twilight Zone, Living Doll-Talking Tina Part 2/3

The Twilight Zone, Living Doll-Talking Tina Part 1

Twilight Zone Doll

If you’ve ever seen the old Twilight Zone episode “Living Doll,” you remember Talky Tina. She’s basically the old Chatty Cathy doll, only malevolent. Talky Tina tortures and eventually kills the grumpy dad character, who was incidentally played by Telly Savalas when he still had Patrick Stewart-esque hair (before he went the full Brynner).

So if you’ve ever wanted to buy a doll that you should absolutely not give to your children (unless you want to give them nightmares, that is), now’s your chance. For the first time ever, the awesome folks over at Entertainment Earth are now selling an exclusive replica of Talky Tina. The doll talks (of course), has eyes that open and closed, and — awesomely — looks exactly like she did on the show, which is to say in black and white.

Now, Talky Tina is $140, which isn’t exactly cheap. And she doesn’t actually become available until July. But consider: How long has it been since you got someone a really creepy Christmas present? Too long, right?

Dolls MAgazine - Digital Edition For March

Dear DOLLS subscriber,
Your March/April digital edition of DOLLS is now available. Click here to get instant access.
This issue is extra special because it boasts the innovative and new 2011 offerings. The array brought by talented dollmakers is quite simply, dazzling. Click here to start exploring!And be sure to read the story about doll and business industry dynamo, Carol Roth. Her story is inspiring, and the doll modeled by Integrity Toys after her likeness is beautiful.
We sincerely hope you enjoy the latest issue of DOLLS!
Sincerely,
Carie FergAssociate Publisher/Editor DOLLS

Ken at 50

Ken to get Facebook, Twitter accounts
Hopes to win back his ex Barbie
Will be turning 50 this year

KEN, the Barbie doll's male alter-ego, is to get a Facebook and Twitter makeover to win back the affections of his former girlfriend when he turns 50 this year, his maker says.

Since 1961, Ken has regularly switched costumes, from red bathing trunks to disco trousers, but his youthful and strong body hasn't shown any signs of wrinkling.

But, according to his official biography, he never married Barbie, two years his junior, and she only wears wedding dresses "to please her tailor friends."

Barbie and Ken officially separated in 2004, to live out their lives as singletons.

But manufacturers Mattel revealed at the opening in Germany of the Nuremberg toy fair today that Ken will use his new Facebook and Twitter accounts to get back together with his girlfriend.
The fair, the largest international event in the toy industry, ends Tuesday.Read more: http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/barbies-ken-turns-50-gets-facebook-and-twitter-accounts/story-e6frfmqi-1225999920488#ixzz1Cw1uJHWU