It turns out Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 23 year streak on Broadway will not be broken when The Phantom of the Opera closes next February.
Webber’s new musical Bad Cinderella will begin previews at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on February 17, 2023, ahead of an official opening March 23.
The famed composer and producer announced the news at a press event in front of the Imperial marquee on Monday morning. The production will star newcomer Linedy Genao.
The new musical was simply titled Cinderella when it ran on the West End from last year, ultimately closing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on June 12, 2022 following poor ticket sales. Genao spray painted the word ‘BAD’ atop the show‘s original title at the press event to announce its new moniker.
Bad Cinderella features a book by Oscar-winning screenwriter Emerald Fennel, music by Lloyd Webber, and lyrics by Tony Award winner David Zippel. Laurence Connor will return to helm the Broadway bow after directing on the West End. Choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter will also return.
“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.”
“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,” said 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.”
The show’s producers are No Guarantees and Really Useful Group, with Wagner Johnson Productions executive producing.
