Bad Cinderella

 Bad Cinderella
Imperial Theatre
March 9, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Bad Cinderella

Bad Cinderella, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest musical to come to Broadway from the West End, boldly transforms the Cinderella story.  The book, by Emerald Fennel, is sharp and daring.  The characters are inventive and uniquely funny.  The plot is packed with unexpected twists and turns.  David Zippel’s lyrics set up the main conflict and propel the action by making the character’s objectives clear and full of passion.  Mr. Webber pays homage to Richard Rogers melodies from the score of his well-known version of Cinderella, then transforms them to a deeper and darker mood.  

A full year has gone by since Prince Charming left Bellville to fight a dragon.  He is presumed dead.  On the day the Queen (played by Grace McLean) declares her second, timid, and homely son, Sebastian (played by Jordan Dobson) as the new heir to the throne, she unveils a monument to honor Charming in the town square.  Unfortunately, the statue has been vandalized.  The townspeople, who believe outer beauty is of utmost importance, all know the culprit is Bad Cinderella (played by Linedy Genao).  In order to distract the kingdom from panicking about an impending rebellion due to the defaced statue, the Queen decides to throw a Ball on Saturday night.  She demands that Prince Sebastian chose a bride at the Ball and marry her on Sunday.   

Linedy Genao as Cinderella
Photo courtesy of Bad Cinderella

Sebastian seeks out Cinderella, who is a childhood friend of his, and blames her for his situation.    He
invites Cinderella to the Ball so he won’t feel alone.  He is secretly in love with Cinderella, but is afraid to tell her.  Cinderella’s Stepmother (played by Carolee Carmello) overhears Sebastian inviting Cinderella to the Ball, and comes up with a plan to get her two daughters, Adelle (played by Sammi Gayle) and Marie (played by Morgan Higgins), in the Prince’s favor. 

Cinderella visits Godmother (played by understudy Paige Smallwood) for a makeover before the Ball.  Godmother warns her of the price of beauty, yet Cinderella accepts the consequences.  When she shows up at the Ball, Sebastian does not recognize her because of the makeover.  At midnight, he is tricked into an engagement with Adelle.  Out of jealousy, Marie decides to help Cinderella stop the wedding, but an unexpected arrival gets there before her. 

Jordan Dobson & Carolee Carmello
Photo courtesy of Bad Cinderella

Linedy Genao and Jordan Dobson are wonderful together as Cinderella and Sebastian.  They have a strong, sincere bond.  Their characters grow throughout the story.  Their relationship deepens with genuine emotion.  Mr. Dobson’s character opens up during his song “Only You, Lonely You” in Act I.  Ms. Genao soars while singing “Easy to Be Me” in Act I and “Cinderella’s Soliloquy” in Act II.  

Carolee Carmello is outstanding as Stepmother.  She and Grace McLean have great comic timing.  Their duet, “I Know You,” is brash and witty.  Understudy Paige Smallwood delivers a mysterious performance as Godmother.

The choreography by JoAnn M. Hunter is crisp and energetic.  The sets and costumes by Gabriella Tylesova are bright and imaginative.  The entire cast is amazing.  Bad Cinderella is a lot of fun and sure to be a hit. 

Domenick Danza