Susan Granger’s review of “Bad Cinderella” (Imperial Theatre on Broadway)
Despite what you may have heard, “Bad Cinderella” is not Andrew Lloyd Webber’s worst musical, nor – alas! – is it one of his best.
Working from a flimsy, trivial book by Alexis Scheer & Emerald Fennell with overly wordy lyrics by David Zippel, the stridently feminist theme seems to be society’s shallow standards of beauty. You see – in the fairyland of Belleville – everyone is measured by his or her superficial appearance.
The women are reputed to be gorgeous (but, unfortunately, the actresses chosen by director Laurence Connor are not). In contrast, the men – displaying their bare beefcake like sexed-up Chippendales dancers – are actually prettier, strutting to JoAnn M. Hunter’s choreography as the turntable spins.
Poor Cinderella (Linedy Genao), a waif dressed in rags, is considered plain which she, rightfully, resents, predictably displaying ‘bad’ behavior. Her only friend is the Queen’s (Grace McLean) hapless second Prince Sebastian (Jordan Dobson). Prince Charming is the presumed heir and Sebastian is the ‘spare.’
But since brawny Prince Charming went AWOL, Prince Sebastian must now choose a wife. Why not Cinderella, whom he loves? Because that would end the show in 30 minutes – and audiences have paid top ticket prices to watch them dither for another two hours, egged on by Cinderella’s wicked, scene-stealing stepmother (Carolee Carmello) and vainly moronic step-sisters (Sami Gayle, Morgan Higgins)
What about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music? Sung by Joran Dobson, “Only You, Lonely You” is the most memorable song, followed by Carolee Carmello’s drolly comedic “I Know You” with Grace McLean. Linedy Genao warbles “Easy To Be Me,” “I Know I Have a Heart (Because You Broke It)” and “Far Too Late,” but they’re quite forgettable.
What I find curious that that all Andrew Lloyd Webber’s leading ladies somewhat resemble his second wife, soprano Sarah Brightman, who starred in “Phantom of the Opera,” among other notable roles. Too bad Ms. Genao lacks Ms. Brightman’s glorious voice and charisma.
It’s also bizarre that in an expensive Broadway production, Gabriella Tylesova’s scenery and costumes are tacky and garish – like those in a second-rate dinner theater.
So should you go to “Bad Cinderella”? Only if you’re a die-hard Andrew Lloyd Webber fan and determined to see every show he’s ever staged.