Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella has a new title and a new home, with the contemporary take on the classic fairy tale set to begin performances on Broadway as Bad Cinderella February 17, 2023, at the Imperial Theatre, with opening night set for March 23.
The musical features a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter Emerald Fennel, music by Lloyd Webber, and lyrics by Tony winner David Zippel. Linedy Genao will star in the title role. The Phantom of the Opera composer revealed the news at a press event in front of the Imperial October 3.
"I have been dreaming about originating a leading role on Broadway for just about my entire life, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine achieving that dream alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and such an incredible team of collaborators," shares Genao. "As a proud Dominican American, I am most excited about this opportunity to represent my community and show the world that fairy tales do come true—and are for everybody. My heart is bursting."
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Linedy Genao
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Linedy Genao
Linedy Genao
Linedy Genao
Linedy Genao
Linedy Genao
Bad Cinderella at The Imperial Theatre
Genao, currently starring as Gloria Estefan in Paper Mill Playhouse's On Your Feet!, is somewhat of a Broadway newcomer. Cinderella will be her first time starring in a lead role on the Main Stem, after serving as an understudy in Dear Evan Hansen and an ensemblist in On Your Feet!
"I am thrilled and delighted that we are bringing Bad Cinderella to the Imperial Theatre," says Lloyd Webber. "We have been working hard on a few new songs for our Broadway opening and, with such brilliant team, led by the spectacular Linedy, I know this is going to be really special."
Linedy has already recorded the work's title song in English and Spanish, which can be streamed here.
The London debut of the musical, then titled just Cinderella, began previews June 25, 2021, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, officially opened August 18, 2021, and concluded its run June 12, 2022. Laurence Connor will return to helm the Broadway bow after staging the West End production. Also returning for the Broadway debut is choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter.
READ: How the Pandemic Inspired JoAnn M. Hunter to Create a New Waltz for Cinderella
In the West End, Carrie Hope Fletcher (Heathers the Musical, Les Misérables) starred in the title role with Olivier nominee Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Murder Ballad) as the Stepmother, Ivano Turco as Prince Sebastian, Olivier winner Rebecca Trehearn (Show Boat) as The Queen, Georgina Castle (Mamma Mia!) and Laura Baldwin (Waitress) as Cinderella’s stepsisters, and Gloria Onitiri (Hadestown) as The Godmother.
WATCH: London Gay Men's Chorus Performs 'Marry For Love' From New Cinderella Musical
Producing for the Broadway bow are No Guarantees and Really Useful Group, with Wagner Johnson Productions serving as executive producers.
