Andrew Lloyd’d Webber’s BAD CINDERELLA set to close on Broadway
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s audacious take on the beloved fairy tale, ‘Bad Cinderella’, is preparing for its grand finale on the illustrious Broadway stage. The curtains will fall for the last time at the Imperial Theatre on June 4th, marking the end of an unforgettable era.
Bad Cinderella is a contemporary spin on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella. This reimagination, a creative brainchild of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Emerald Fennell, and David Zippel, takes place in the stunning kingdom of Belleville, renowned for its beauty and the flawless charm of its inhabitants.
In this interpretation, Cinderella isn’t the stereotypical damsel in distress. Instead, she is a rebellious and stubborn peasant, standing as an anomaly in the midst of the kingdom’s perfection. Her presence poses a disruption to the otherwise idyllic life of the Belleville people, earning her the title of “Bad Cinderella”.
The storyline, undoubtedly, spins a twist on the usual Cinderella narrative, focusing on how Cinderella, despite being a misfit, manages to navigate through her life in the seemingly flawless kingdom. It presents an intriguing exploration of Cinderella’s personality, her relationships with the other characters, and her journey to find her place in the world.
Following a successful stint in the West End, ‘Bad Cinderella’ debuted its previews on Broadway on February 17, officially opening its doors on March 23. After running for 33 previews and 85 performances, this ambitious production is finally bidding adieu.
Although the show missed out on Tony Award nominations and has been experiencing a slight dip in box office revenues, the ingenuity of its team remains undeniable. The musical brilliance of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the engaging story by Oscar-winning Emerald Fennell, and the lyricism of David Zippel have brought to life this modern, unconventional tale. The additional book material by Alexis Scheer, direction by Laurence Connor, choreography by JoAnn M Hunter, and the elaborate design by an award-winning team including Gabriela Tylesova, Bruno Poet, and Gareth Owen, have all contributed to creating this unique Broadway experience.
The show first enchanted audiences at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London in August 2021 and despite battling through a series of pandemic-induced closures, ‘Bad Cinderella’ never lost its magic.
The Broadway cast is a constellation of talent with Linedy Genao breathing life into Cinderella, and a strong supporting cast including Carolee Carmello, Grace McLean, and Jordan Dobson. The ensemble and swings are a tour de force of theatrical talent, delivering performances that have captivated audiences night after night.
So, brace yourselves for the final act of ‘Bad Cinderella’. It’s a bittersweet goodbye to a show that dared to challenge the norm, leaving a lasting impression on Broadway’s grand history.
