I think I'd like the idea of a 'bad Cinderella' if the main story actually began after the ball. we know the classic story, we don't really need it explained again, so instead: Cinderella goes to the ball, has a nice time, but finds it very underwhelming. she realises she doesn't like the rich, shallow, snobby people around her. and after she gets home she realises that nothing's really changed, her life didn't get better and one good night out wasn't enough to make up for it. and THAT'S when she starts questioning the town and its culture and decides to become a rebel. we could still have the romance with the prince and other classic elements, but I'm ready for a story that goes beyond the bounds of the fairytale.
The problem that will always plague this Cinderella is that they clearly want to tell a ‘feminist narrative’ but they have no idea what message it is they want to say.
The craziest thing is one of the writers of the story was the writer of _Promising Young Woman,_ so you'd think she'd know how to write a subversive feminist story.
Having at least a few women who actually like each other might help- it actually made me think, is that rare in Webber's other plays? I guess Meg is Christine's friend in Phantom, but we all saw how that went in the sequel...
They have no idea what story they are telling at all. I enjoyed the show in London but I find it very hard to explain to someone what the show was actually about and how it was different from other Cinderella stories without basically explaining the whole thing.
It lacks a specific pov. This is bad cinderellas story but really it’s Sebastian’s. He is the one who changes and has active choices that affect the plot. Cinderella is a consistent character filler in her own show
i'm sure everyone's mentioned this to death, and you touched on it here, but the fact that all of the women HATE each other in this show destroys any semblance of empowerment it was going for. portraying women as catty, shallow a**holes who hate each other and only seem to care about looks isn't empowering, it's just bad writing. this show is what would happen if you just set the "not like other girls" phenomenon to music and called it a day
The opening line of the NYT review is literally just “First: bring earplugs.” Seeing it as a late birthday present. Couldn’t be more excited for the disaster. *EDIT* I… oh my lord. I saw it this past weekend. That is a lot of extremely talented people working very hard with material that does them zero favors.
Phantom's my all time favorite show but the way Bad Cinderella did the promo makes me think if they're actually replacing it or not. "If you miss Phantom, there's a new baddie in town" felt so cruel to me
I think the “beheading idea” would be funny. Maybe if they workshopped Cinderella to be like a protester. I made a video that went up today about workshopping the show and I wished they made her a rebel with a cause vs a nuisance. Loved your take and enjoy New York. ⭐️✨
Yes. The "I want" song, not so much, but clear motivation is **absolutely** necessary. Always. Not just in musicals either, and not just in the theater.
This show is similar to Cats in that Cinderella has an “I Am” song rather than an “I want” song. I watched a different video that talked about how usually villains get “I am” songs (think Gaston), so it could have been interesting to stick to that and make Cinderella truly villainous
By "I want" I didn't necessarily mean a song but a clear goal for the character. Cats was hampered by a lack of a story line. The original Cinderella story had a goal, get her out from under her step-mother's abuse. If the writers of the current show wanted to make her 'bad' they could have used her response to her treatment by the step-mother and sisters. They could have developed her relationship with her late father, good or bad. I haven't seen the show, I'm commenting on the reaction from critics. Some audience members have posted about loving the show, but is the music enough to make up for its other shortcomings?
I have a ton of friends in the show (including the incomparable Grace McLean) and I get so giddy that even the tougher reviews give them their due and speak glowingly about their work! They really are working hard and the folks I know just also happen to be wonderful people. 🤓✌🏾
That's great!! The west end cast were so good that I enjoyed the show way more - I hope your friends are doing well and enjoying being in the show (regardless of the surrounding drama)!
I would pay actual real money to see Grace McLean and Carolee Carmello sing the Stepsisters’ Lament from the R&H Cinderella. They were both so good and did so much to make the show fun!
This is SO satisfying to have it come full circle like this. As the only Bad Cinderella historian, your opinion is the only one I wanted to hear about this new iteration.
It could have been so cool if they had costumed it the way they did their real housewives promo, very LA, and then made Cinderella really weird looking. Or done something similar to the Hunger Games with the capital residents, and made Cinderella normal-looking. From The photos, they don’t seem to “other” her enough through her looks to match what the lyrics are telling us about their society
New Yorker here. I saw Bad Cinderella last week, going in with low expectations and only the knowledge gained from watching your videos tbh. I got great seats in Row C in the orchestra for cheap, and on my two occasions visiting the Imperial Box office that day in my indecisiveness, I saw Andrew Lloyd Webber coming and going from rehearsal. It was insane. I snapped an unflattering pic of him. So My experience, I feel, was helped by my good fortune. You hit some nails on the head. The standouts of the show are Carolee Carmella and Grace McLean. I could watch their schtick for 2.5 hours and be happy. And yes, the Charming Wedding scene was "everything" as the kids say. Also thoroughly enjoy the Man's Man song. Where I differ is that I think Linedy and Jordan as our romantic leads are utterly boring and their characters, as they are, add very little to the overall story. I did not care enough about either of them. I also found both to not be vocally up to the task of their roles. Maybe it was an off night I saw, but both performers struggled at the top of their registers. And they had zero chemistry, imho. I also liked I Know You, even though I very much agree with it being way too ambiguous and having zero payoff. Having read many many pages of a popular Broadway message board, I think many people felt similarly to me on the things listed above. Overall I had an enjoyable time. It's a far from perfect show that I don't think will last long in New York (maybe a year.) There are also some real earworms that I cannot stop listening to on the London album. Unrelated note, the night after I saw this, I was in Brooklyn seeing The Jungle at St. Ann's Warehouse, and as we were exiting, I randomly overheard two people talking about Bad Cinderella and name dropping you as the pre-eminent source of news on the piece. I was shook. But I shouldn't have been. You've truly made it. I also have been low key praying I run into you at a show, as I am at one most nights, but alas lol
I saw the show last week. The performance you saw wasn’t just an off night for the leads. The same weaknesses you mentioned were also in the performance I watched. And I agree, there is an utter lack of chemistry between the leads. It’s a shame as in almost every aspect of this show-from book to score to performance-we see truly talented people not quite clicking.
@@chaoticpoet8992 but when you on a business trip and expensing various things (eg: airfare, accommodation, tickets, etc) you have to keep up some level of work. I am also self employed (not in RUclips/theater) and my accountant needs to see proof that I was actively working on a trip if I am claiming expenses for it. Even down expensing the cost of parking my car, I have to show that I was at a meeting in that location. I am not personally involved in MickeyJo's business btw, I just have experience with freelancing/being a sole trader. But also taking two weeks out of uploading videos for RUclips will cause his exposure/views/"for you" recommendations to fall massively!
I’m so happy that they invited you to the show! I love the way that you dissect shows and give honest reviews. You’re a wonderful modern reviewer. Congrats!!😊
My boyfriend from the other room recognising your voice “what’s Mickey Jo reviewing now?” Me: “Bad Cinderella. There’s a whole history.” Him: “why, what happened?” Me: “WELL….*10 minutes later*…”and what you need to know is that ALW then got someone else to say HIS statement which said about it being a costly mistake and everyone gasped and it was so offensive and disrespectful to the hard work the staff put into his sh*t show.” Him: “so is Bad Cinderella, bad?” Me: “I DON’T KNOW YET BUT SOMEONE COMMENTED THEY WORRIED THE SHOW HAD KILLED HIM SO IT’S NOT LOOKING GOOD SAM.”
With what you said about the critics reviewing based on previews -- I remember seeing an interview with Toby Marlow where he was talking about how, with the timing of the Covid shutdown just before the opening night of Six, it meant that pretty much all the reviews had already been written, but couldn't be published because the show didn't officially open, so he had like a year and a half of not knowing what they said.
The What's On Stage review said ALW hasn't done himself any favours by borrowing the major musical throughline from R&H's Cinderella - I completely agree, it's the main tune I remember but it's so clearly the same as "in my own little corner". I think it's fun to reference R&H's version, but as their Cinderella is totally different it would've made much more sense to have created his own Cinderella theme and have a nod to theirs somewhere in the score.
Saw it last week and…. nearly all of your talking points were things I’ve discussed with anyone who said “omg how was it??” SPOT on assessments… Nearly every song felt too long. Then an immediate reprise 🙄 I’m not familiar with West End and DID NOT understand that Step Mother and the Queen met in a brothel back in the day- I thought they just went to school together. The potato sack vandalism was dumb, and after everyone singing about how much they hate her, they’re propping her up in these cool empowering TikTok dance numbers that make zero sense- honestly agree with about 98% of what you said. The costumes though… ugh…. The opening costumes, while they might be more colorful than West End, I was in the fourth row of the Orchestra and the patterns were VERY tacky and looked cheap. I hope it translated better from farther back because up close- no. Can’t wait to see your other NYC reviews!! You’ve earned a like and subscribe from me!!
I think it did translate better further away. I saw it a few weeks ago in the center left of the orchestra and then a second time from the mezzanine. I loved how colorful and fun it was. But I also think most theatre looks better when it's not too close
Following along on this wild journey has genuinely made me a better fiction writer, because WOW is this a case study in ways to mess up a very basic story. Considering how hard ALW has been campaigning for this thing, I wonder if we'll get a pro shot version too, if only so that it might have a longer afterlife than what it gets on Broadway. I'm broke and waaaay across the country so seeing it is not going to be possible for me (at least not in a legal fashion rn) but I kind of hope we get it recorded for posterity.
I saw Bad Cinderella last week and leaving the theatre, the main word I used to describe my thoughts was “confused.” I felt like storylines were added without completion, I was so confused about the Queen’s seemingly incestual obsession with her son (confused about why no one else was talking about that), and it wasn’t until watching this video that I finally understand the I Know You song. I saw a tiktok the other day that said the stepmother was implying that the queen was previously a prostitute and I didn’t get that at all, I *definitely* didn’t catch that the queen recognized the stepmother the same way. Honestly, I thought they were ex-college roommates who has a falling out and so that’s why they knew the intimate details of each other’s personal lives. Like I could imagine them as sorority sisters who were saying “I know what you did at Caramel Apple Pi’s frat party, you’ve said for years you didn’t, you told everyone it was me, but I saw it happen”
I just thought the queen had been ugly (cuz they said something about how her features weren’t in quite the same places) so I was like oh yeah they all got “beaut-ifyed” and I guess she wants to pretend she was always pretty? But then in my brain it checked out as to why she’d later totally drop it and not be concerned cuz she’s pretty now so whatevs (I’m paraphrasing her thoughts)
I've been obsessed with this entire journey every since I saw the show at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on opening week, and shortly after when I found your channel, and I just wanna say it's been a pleasure seeing you wade back into the waters every time throughout the developments. What a wild ride we've had.
100% agree with your opinions about “bad” Cinderella’s character. I felt all the other characters were okay but Cinderella herself was a massive plot hole. In terms of entertainment I thought it was a fun show but definitely the story was massively flawed. It’s really interesting that you say West End Cinderella was much more “Bad” than the Broadway Cinderella. Definitely would have loved that concept to have been fleshed out more
Been following this show since 2020, so video being posted feels like the climax of a story! Thank you so much for feeding the fire of my raging hyper fixation.
We saw it a few weeks ago and can’t wait to see if our review hits the same. It didn’t land on our radar until a few months back and chose to go in blind. Can’t wait for this! Really just here for the SpongeBob costume commentary updates!
The way I'd fix the story a bit: towns people mention god mother in the first song and she makes an appearance. Infact the whole first number is basically about how much they love her and how she makes the beauty standard. Make the towns people literally look identical. Turn the step mother into a step father who knows the queen as he used to go to the 'strip club'. Focus more in the first act on Cinderella and how different she is. The second scene in the village when they announce the ball, Cinderella does something else bad to show she is a rebel and that's why the step 'father' bans her from going. Mention of Cinderella missing her mother more as she too was a rebel because they were from different towns. In the second act have the just make it simple and keep it as Sebastian has til midnight to find a bride' and that's it. Also maybe in the first act Cinderella could joke about wearing glass shoes and that's why he doesn't believe it's her or something. In the wedding scene have Cinderella think she's run out of time and gate crash it and cause havoc as she thinks it's Sebastian's wedding. When they meet at the wedding her and him have to run and escape while the towns people chase after them. Have the ending with them both escaped from the village. The end.
"What's a knob?!" is the reaction 99% of folks in the US will have when they hear the line. That was my reaction and while I could guess the meaning I don't recall ever hearing it before. Certainly it is not an insult and doesn't carry weight in the US. You can put me in the group who will never see Bad Cinderella. The only value I've found in it's existence is that it gives you something to review with passion, humor, insight, and a sprinkle of snark. Enjoy the rest of your stay in NYC and if at all possible to to "Hadestown."
Interesting! As a Canadian, I definitely understand this insult and wouldn't have thought much about it watching the show. I guess that's why we get things like the U.K. Harry Potter books too lol. interesting gradient of culture between our 3 connected homelands!
As an American, I'm surprised. I was just going to write a comment that most Americans would understand this, but I guess not. Sometimes I get annoyed by the amount of handholding other countries think we need, but maybe it is warranted
Regarding the "you knob" line, it made me think of kinky boots- in the west end version, Lauren calls herself "you knob" to berate herself for having a crush on Charlie, but in the broadway version, the lyric is "you flake" which I never really liked, tbh I don't think there's a good American equivalent to "knob"
A brothel? That's what the queen and step mother are singing about it. I saw it in the WE and I totally didn't get that! Pah! So pleased to see this video!!! No laughing at knobs! 😂
When I first heard the title "Bad Cinderella", I guessed it would be a Cinderella revenge narrative. Story plays out in the typical way for act 1, then with her new monarchy power, Cinderella tries to take down those who wronged her -- but does she go too far? Ultimately it seems like they were just going for "Modern Cinderella"? But not quite that either.
I'm from the USA. I don't live in New York but have taken Broadway-based trips there. I have seen Lloyd Webber's Big 4: Cats, Evita, Phantom, and Sunset Blvd., all of them several times. I even directed and choreographed a youth musical theatre production of "Cats" to local acclaim in 2011. The only reason I have any interest in "Bad Cinderella" is because of Mickey Jo's coverage in the UK and now his review of the Broadway production. His reviews are so detailed, fair, insightful, and knowledgeable that I wish Lloyd-Webber had hired him as a consultant for the New York production. As an American, I think I would have laughed at the "you knob" line but would the word "dork" have fit in. That is known by just about every American regardless of generation. Not sure of the rhyme scheme situation tho.
Regarding the "you knob" line, it made me think of kinky boots- in the west end version, Lauren calls herself "you knob" to berate herself for having a crush on Charlie, but in the broadway version, the lyric is "you flake" which I never really liked, tbh I don't think there's a good American equivalent to "knob"
Saw this the same night as you! (Also I know that the house, at least in the mezz around me, was LARGELY papered with college theater students which I think contributed to the reaction specifically to the Prince Charming stuff. Girls behind me literally shrieked 😂) ANYWAY. I totally agree with all your thoughts. I have some other critical thoughts BUT on the song front - a huge problem with the songs aside from the lyrics is that not only is every song too long but every song gives you its thesis like five lines in. And then there’s just nowhere to go from there for the actors and from a storytelling perspective. It’s such a strange choice. Like with I Know I Have a Heart the line “I know I have a heart because you broke it” comes in SO EARLY when I feel like it should be the revelation of the song - her feeling all her feelings and then finally being able to put a name to it or piece it together into that thesis. And then the song goes on for four more minutes. 😂 And pretty much all of the ballads fell into the same trap. So strange. Anyway! So glad to hear your thoughts on this version, I’ve been following along with your reviews of this show since the beginning!
@@MickeyJoTheatre Yes! It absolutely does. There’s a lot of telling not showing across the board - it ends up feeling like they don’t trust the audience at all. ESPECIALLY with some of the dialogue. I mean that all said I didn’t have a bad (no pun intended) time! Carolee, Grace and Jordan were all wonderful. Jordan’s LONG applause the night we both saw it after Only You, Lonely You was well deserved!
I was at that showing also! And I agree the audience that night was surprisingly enthusiastic. I wondered if it was a friends and family of the cast and crew sort of thing. I also seem to remember one of the performers remarking that it was the best audience energy they had had to date.
What a great opportunity and addition to the saga of videos you've made for this show!! So proud you got to follow it to BROADWAY!! I hope you're loving NYC!
I saw Jordan Dobson as Orpheus in Hadestown in 2021 and he was INCREDIBLE! I've seen Bad Cinderella here twice now (gotta love being cheap rush tickets) and it really feels like they tried to write it for The Gays TM. Like, it's SO camp without having any substance underneath? I already had mixed feeling on Andy L Dubs but this show proved no one wants to tell him no
It's hilarious and jarring every time a reviewer mentions that the perfect fairytale musical town is called "Belleville" because Belleville is a random mediocre small town in my region
The editing at the start followed by the cut to you in the bucket hat made me CACKLE. As did the second hat reveal. 😅 I also particularly enjoyed your pained expression while discussing the changes to the statue… Thanks for yet another fascinating look at the evolution of this musical.
I saw this on Broadway. I wonder if some of the “peppy” tone or the stepmother being kind is down to UK/US differences. In the preview I saw I took Cinderella as more rudely feisty than peppy, and the stepmother as paying to get rid of C versus kindness. Otherwise, I am stunned to hear there were portions that were improved - because I thought what I saw was rock bottom.
People have said that it's still a pity that they still left out the potential of their being something vaguely magical/supernatural about The Godmother, as the trope of the main character receiving some form of 'supernatural aid' is usually crucial to making something a 'Cinderella' story, and it's not always necessarily a 'fairy'. In Brother's Grimm's Cinderella and Into The Woods, it's the spirit of Cinderella's dead mother, who is called upon to aid her daughter in some form of necromantic spell or ritual, to give Cinderella a dress for each of the 3 night's of the king's festival.
Really appreciate your well thought out and well-spoken reviews. None of the "bitchy critic trying to be clever" aspect of so many reviews. So excited for you that you've been able to visit New York and experience Broadway. Keep up the good work!
I’ve followed your reviews for several years now - Cinderella is one of the best series you’ve done! Thanks for providing some valuable insight into the true honesty, sadness, and creation that has gone into this show! Can’t wait to see what you review next:)
I saw it a few weeks ago and pretty much agree with the issues you’ve identified. Once “I Know You” started I had a moment when I realized…oh this musical isn’t for me. It may want to be for a younger audience (I’m not even really young 😅) but it’s just not. The “feminism” and the jokes and the “camp” all read as dated, like my aunt would think “how fun and sassy!” That sort of thing. Thanks for going through everything so thoughtfully. I was dying to know all the changes from the West End, and your insights in general are always very satisfying.
When you played the clip of the cast singing happy birthday, I had had a bit too much wine, and inadvertently shouted, "BOO, VILLAIN," by myself, at the screen. 😅
Your content gives me life & much insight to the West End vs. B’way. Very happy for your maiden soujourn to NYC & hope I’ll make the same trip to the West End eventually!
Okay...so just for shits and giggles...here are some of the review taglines that made me laugh: Washington Post: "...gets the title it deserves" New York Post: "A wacko storybook dumpster fire on Broadway" New York Times: "The Title Warned Us" Vulture: "If Only Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella Were Worse" Entertainment Weekly: "Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical is bibbidi-bobbidi-basic" Variety: "Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Muddled, Sexed-Up, Broadway Spin on the Fairy Tale Is True to Its Name" AMNY: "If not necessarily bad, ‘Bad Cinderella’ is kind of eh…." The Wrap: "Frankly, She’s Also a Real Brat" (Andrew Lloyd Webber Struggles with the Disney Format) Observer: "Bad Cinderella’s Glass Slipper? More Like a Moldy Croc" (...it’s TikTok meets grandfather clock) Theater Mania: "Does Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella Live Up to Its Name? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But one thing’s for certain: It’s horny AF." Chicago Tribune: "Bad Cinderella on Broadway pointlessly blows up a fairy tale" There are some great one-liners here! "Dumpster Fire" and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Basic" are classic! Not to mention "It's horny AF" LOL And oddly enough, he didn't show up to opening!!! Hmmmm Says a lot.
@@marcusgomez3447 I didn't look into why he didn't show up. Clearly there was a reason, DUH! But looking up why would mean I care about him. FYI...Respect is EARNED, not DEMANDED or DESERVED. And based on his actions in the past, especially with this show in the West End, he doesn't deserve respect. It's my opinion and I am completely within my right to have it. But thanks for trying to school me.
Those are wild. What's On Stage said "a cheeky, horny semi-mess, but not the total loss many of us were expecting" ! (ALW had press released he wouldn't be able to attend the opening because his son is seriously ill, so we'll never know if he would've gone otherwise.)
@@darrenhales6094 Your comment was "And oddly enough, he didn't show up to opening!!! Hmmmm Says a lot" which is clearly implying he didn't show up because he didn't stand by his show, which was not the reason. Respecting someone missing something because their child is battling cancer should be automatic - nobody needs to "earn" it by you liking that person. That's just being an empathetic and decent human being.
I feel like bad cinderella would've been a much better show if it focused on cinderella being less mature and more active than in the original. She acts out and blames her actions on her situation before realising at the end that she's in her late teens and has enough agency to change her life for the better. She let's go of her resentment for her step family and moves on, leaving home and starting her new life having learned that she is responsible for her actions and looking after her self. The prince helps her on this journey showing her the bigger picture, ( his imput making her see that she can't just sit and do chores and get more angry her whole life, she needs to think for herself) and they start dating at the end etc. Etc. It seems like a good way of making her "bad" but it's less about the kingdom being bad and more about her learning that the way she is coping with her situation is (while understandable) unhealthy.
I literally just saw this show tonight so I can finally know what you’re talking about!! I am a very harsh critic when it comes to Broadway but this show pleasantly surprised me. What you pointed out as things that needed improvements were things I really liked, for example the fact that she never verbally admits her love for Sebastian. I think the reason for that is because she hasn’t even admitted it to herself. I also think that long song sequence Cinderella has during act 2 works very well. One minute she’s crying because her heart is broken but when she immediately starts singing the reprise, it’s kind of like she’s “snapping out of it” in a way.. like I’m bad Cinderella why the hell am I here crying over a boy when I’m a whole baddie. I loved that!! Overall- it’s a 7/10. The writing needs a lot of work but I loved everything else especially the lighting design, direction, and choreography. Now having seen the show, I definitely think it deserves more recognition, but it’s reputation persigues it. Linedy Genao was amazing, as I knew she would be. Us Dominicans are usually very talented people ;)
It sounds like it's a step up from the original version but not enough which is what I was afraid of. I feel with a bit more workshopping it could have really got there but they rushed this thing so fast to Broadway it didn't have time to cook with it's new spices.
Reading NY critic reviews, and overall they seem to share the same sentiments that you and others have been talking about for years. I’m surprised that they didn’t make further adjustments to the script and lyrics. I know ALW’s son is sick, so that most likely impacted his participation in those types of conversations, but I think they should’ve waited til next season, give it more time to work out the issues with the script and all that (maybe find a better director). I’ve seen some critics really pointing out how the show felt like old people trying to be hip with the youths and I think that’s the most damming criticism it can have in terms of commercial appeal.
I got to see it in previews with my daughter. Uneven but fun overall. Our biggest criticism, though, was that the fairy godmother was set up as a sinister character (a fun "flip the script" idea), but the rest of the show did *nothing* with that. Huge missed opportunity, and why even bother?
I agree! In the west end she reminded me of Ursula from the Little Mermaid (taking the necklace like taking her voice) and I thought it could've been better if she was a mastermind villain controlling the town through the 'beauty' market, and then cinderella would have had to bring her down and free everyone.
@@charliehitchcock3080 if the villagers had given the impression at the start that there was something uncanny going on, if we got the sense that they were all putting on a show and scared of being themselves (whatever that means for them), then by the end everyone could be embracing beauty in all its forms and even if Cinderella still leaves at the end, she's been seen by them and she's seen them so there's been a reconciliation. It gives her rebelliousness a cause!
When you mentioned how no one laughed at the knob part, I think it's partly because of cultural differences. That's the simpliest way I can put it. Some jokes or stuf people say here can confuse people from other countries and vise versa. There have been a lot of times I've seen a movie from London and there will be things that I wouldn't get. But how I can is by looking at the context of what's happening and that seems to help me understand. But that's only with certian phrases, others I still wouldn't get unless it's explained or I relate it to a saying here
Watching Cinderella in 1.5x speed genuinely fixes it … try it on RUclips trust me The songs aren’t too long -they’re too slow. Andrew slows down his playing with age - his musicals slow down…. It just needs some youth!
Love your review, as I expected! I agree so much with many of your points, especially with Cinderella’s lack of a defined personality. The biggest issue, imo, is everything we are told about this character is via exposition, with little to nothing be “told” about her by her own actions. Why is she bad? What makes her a rebel? I still don’t know. Also, while I’m sure Jordan is great, I saw his understudy (Julio) for Sebastian and he was INCREDIBLE (and honestly looks a bit like you/has similar vibes to you) and I hope he gets to be a lead in something in the future!
I liked the original bunz and roses vs beauty is our duty. I saw the broadway previews and sounds like they added the line with the fairy godmother. I'm glad they did. her character is random but they didn't have that line. Sounds like they may have made the statue reveal and story more clear too
Saw BC last week. I have been following this saga only because of your channel. And let me tell you, you nailed it! Every single thing you talk about was spot on. I personally found the show obnoxious on soo many levels of which i was not expecting. 😅
I saw the show during the first few weeks of previews. It's exactly as you said, the costumes are bright and flashy and enjoyably, so is the set and the music. But the issue is that I was more interested in seeing the ensemble numbers and side characters (aka Prince Charming) than I was with Cinderella herself. Linedy Genao has an amazing voice, but I think her costume and lack of actual scenes really diminishes her character.
Hi, I accidentally found your channel, and I watch all videos non-stop. I live in New York and love theater and musicals. It's exciting to listen to comparing the UK and New York. I hope one day I will visit London and musicals as well. I saw Bad Cinderella before closing. I knew that it had terrible reviews, but to be honest, I liked it. First of all, I like music. And when I left the show, I had the feeling of a fairy tale. It's entertaining. And what people need to have a good time. I don't agree with the reviews. It was not such bad as they said. The orchestra and music are fantastic 🎉
Saw it this past Tuesday with the Cinderella alternate and actually enjoyed the show more than I thought. We loved Jason Dobson and I think that's my overall feeling about the show, it has some great musical numbers and some great performances, but I feel like the book is problematic. No matter what, I will never like the Man's Man number and it's just so bizarre that his mother is part of this number. It could be assigned to a secretary of state or any other member of the court but it just seems way too bizarre as is currently stands. That said...and I could probably go deeper...you are always gracious and on point and I wish New York critics were as intelligent as you.
I just saw it Saturday night. It's not perfect, but it's a good time and a lot of fun! I would not put it in the same league as Phantom or JCSS - I think mostly because the Cinderella story has been done so many times and it's a crowded space already - Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella and the Disney version have such a tight grip on it, at least here in the US. And I feel this show seems very modern, so it's capturing the current Zeitgeit... but doesn't have that timeless quality that something like Phantom does to make it so enduring. I think if you go in with Phantom as your basis you may be disappointed. But otherwise, I would recommend people go see it! I feel this show borrows HEAVILY from drag culture. It's basically a bunch of people with over the top outfits/make-up throwing shade at each other for 2hrs 45min. Implying each other are whores or ugly... I mean that's literally like watching skits on drag race. The audience the night I went usually had a mix of laughs and also gasps from just how bitchy some of the things they said were. It is walking a very fine line between roasting and mean, sometimes stumbling over that line. But just like drag isn't for everyone, this show might be hit or miss with some audiences. There are also some big time homoerotic... I wouldn't even call them undertones... they're tones. It's there, blatantly. The gym scene? (ohh pit crewwww) Prince charming return? (although I wish they had kept the song about slaying the seawitch!). I like Linedy in the role, but I haven't seen the UK version to compare. Although I feel as a character, Cinderella wasn't given much to do... she almost felt like a side character even though the play is named after her. Maybe because everyone else is so over the top? But when Linedy sings, she really shines, especially "I know I have a heart" which got very loud cheers afterwards. (although I agree with you, she just ran on stage and started singing, was a bit abrupt story wise). I was also surprised that Cinderella sang a mix of the UK version lyrics and the US single release version lyrics for "Bad Cinderella" --- "girl from the gutter, unpleasant peasant" and "Skyhigh IQ" made it in, but "when you see that I can see through you" also did instead of "plexiglass houses". Makes me wonder if they will release it again with a full cast recording with the final set of lyrics? Sure, some story elements don't make sense, but like I said this feels more like going to a fairytale themed drag show than a show where narrative is important. My biggest complaint - why does Cinderella look like Elsa when she transforms into her ball outfit?? Frozen also has a rip away dress reveal and with the blond hair and the form fitting sparkly dress... it was giving so much Elsa vibes I wondered if it was intentional. Also I agree with you the "Belle Ville" set pieces give big time high school production vibes. Fun fact - I went to high school with someone in the ensemble. On a somber note, I went the day ALW's son lost his battle with cancer, and we all had a somber moment of silence in his honor after the curtain call bows. This cast/crew seems like they've really become family and was nice to see them supporting him. The people next to me knew Linedy and said she's one of the sweetest people they know and are so happy for her. It's almost her own "cinderella story" going from a banker to originating a broadway role for ALW. Anyways, that's my two cents. Love your channel, have been following the Bad Cinderella saga on your channel from the start. Fascinating stuff! Everyone else if in NYC, go see it and add to the dialogue around it!
I agree with most of what you say. I did like the show in a campy way (kindla like how I enjoyed Diana) and the performances were brilliant. The "knob" line did work in some previews (the one I went to had the laugh) Still needs work, but it's not too bad
ALW doing a "not like other girls" Cinderella feels like ALW trying his "not like other girls" Dorothy again, but making sure people remember it this time
Thank you for this although I wanted to kind of the reveal of the Cinderella in act one I would’ve had the curtain and have a silhouette and then literally just show the glass slippers on her feet job done. and then we as the audience get to see her the same way as everyone on stage does in act two. I thought that would’ve been a better one for both West End and Broadway. I’m looking forward to booking my Broadway trip soon to go and see this.
They cut Unbreakable? That and Far Too Late are the ones that I found immediately compelling . I kind of get it though because it doesn't scream "Broadway musical" to me so much as "movie musical" because it feels smaller and not very sing-to-the-back-of-the-theatre if that makes sense. It is funny to me though that "Far Too Late" (while my favourite song in it) says "Far too late to sing a love song" when she already HAD a love song (I Know I Have a Heart) and a love dirge (Unbreakable) in the west end version.
HELP ME RAISE MONEY FOR BROADWAY CARES!
donate.broadwaycares.org/fundraiser/4489639
I contributed! Everyone else get on the MickyJo wagon!
You live in the UK!!
The lack of tweets since you saw the show made me worry it had killed you
I’m a dead cinderellaaaa with a coffin all my own 💀
🤣
Lmaooooooooo
@Joe Evans Made me worry ALW had tracked our intrepid reviewer down
😂😂😂😂
I think I'd like the idea of a 'bad Cinderella' if the main story actually began after the ball. we know the classic story, we don't really need it explained again, so instead: Cinderella goes to the ball, has a nice time, but finds it very underwhelming. she realises she doesn't like the rich, shallow, snobby people around her. and after she gets home she realises that nothing's really changed, her life didn't get better and one good night out wasn't enough to make up for it. and THAT'S when she starts questioning the town and its culture and decides to become a rebel. we could still have the romance with the prince and other classic elements, but I'm ready for a story that goes beyond the bounds of the fairytale.
That does have a lot more potential!
Wow, you already wrote a MUCH more interesting concept than this show.
That's an amazing idea, you should write a script for it!
Sounds like the basis of Just Ella. Its a book ablut Cinderella after the ball lol
@@Srcarlson94 ooh thanks I'll check it out!
The problem that will always plague this Cinderella is that they clearly want to tell a ‘feminist narrative’ but they have no idea what message it is they want to say.
The craziest thing is one of the writers of the story was the writer of _Promising Young Woman,_ so you'd think she'd know how to write a subversive feminist story.
Having at least a few women who actually like each other might help- it actually made me think, is that rare in Webber's other plays? I guess Meg is Christine's friend in Phantom, but we all saw how that went in the sequel...
They have no idea what story they are telling at all. I enjoyed the show in London but I find it very hard to explain to someone what the show was actually about and how it was different from other Cinderella stories without basically explaining the whole thing.
@@KariIzumi1 And the "additional book by" writer added for Broadway, Alexis Scheer is ALSO known for her feminist plays.
It lacks a specific pov. This is bad cinderellas story but really it’s Sebastian’s. He is the one who changes and has active choices that affect the plot. Cinderella is a consistent character filler in her own show
i'm sure everyone's mentioned this to death, and you touched on it here, but the fact that all of the women HATE each other in this show destroys any semblance of empowerment it was going for. portraying women as catty, shallow a**holes who hate each other and only seem to care about looks isn't empowering, it's just bad writing. this show is what would happen if you just set the "not like other girls" phenomenon to music and called it a day
The opening line of the NYT review is literally just “First: bring earplugs.” Seeing it as a late birthday present. Couldn’t be more excited for the disaster.
*EDIT* I… oh my lord. I saw it this past weekend. That is a lot of extremely talented people working very hard with material that does them zero favors.
no cause in the opening night promo they really said "if you miss phantom - there's a new baddie in town" like the AUDACITY
AYO???
Read the reviews from The Times and Post. Negative
Hahahah oh wow
Wow. That's A Choice
Phantom's my all time favorite show but the way Bad Cinderella did the promo makes me think if they're actually replacing it or not. "If you miss Phantom, there's a new baddie in town" felt so cruel to me
I think the “beheading idea” would be funny. Maybe if they workshopped Cinderella to be like a protester. I made a video that went up today about workshopping the show and I wished they made her a rebel with a cause vs a nuisance. Loved your take and enjoy New York. ⭐️✨
I think you just hit the nail on the head tho, that’s how ALW views “rebels”, as a nuisance
Great idea, I saw the broadway show twice while in previews and I noticed they vandalized the statue two different ways
Yes literally exactly like Ella Enchanted
@@fangirlfortheages5940 I love that movie!!!
Is it a fatal flaw for a show that the titular character doesn't have an "I want" or clear motivation?
Yes. The "I want" song, not so much, but clear motivation is **absolutely** necessary. Always. Not just in musicals either, and not just in the theater.
This show is similar to Cats in that Cinderella has an “I Am” song rather than an “I want” song. I watched a different video that talked about how usually villains get “I am” songs (think Gaston), so it could have been interesting to stick to that and make Cinderella truly villainous
By "I want" I didn't necessarily mean a song but a clear goal for the character.
Cats was hampered by a lack of a story line. The original Cinderella story had a goal, get her out from under her step-mother's abuse. If the writers of the current show wanted to make her 'bad' they could have used her response to her treatment by the step-mother and sisters. They could have developed her relationship with her late father, good or bad.
I haven't seen the show, I'm commenting on the reaction from critics.
Some audience members have posted about loving the show, but is the music enough to make up for its other shortcomings?
She's not your normal Cinderella, she's your BAD Cinderella
It's really disappointing that the major flaw in this is the book, especially coming from the author of Promising Young Woman.
I have a ton of friends in the show (including the incomparable Grace McLean) and I get so giddy that even the tougher reviews give them their due and speak glowingly about their work! They really are working hard and the folks I know just also happen to be wonderful people. 🤓✌🏾
That's great!! The west end cast were so good that I enjoyed the show way more - I hope your friends are doing well and enjoying being in the show (regardless of the surrounding drama)!
Grace is in my opinion one of the most talented woman on Broadway! She’d get glowing reviews ( and deserve them) no matter what the material is
@@brennag7378 And she truly is such a warm, kind, cooool human being. It's always awesome when that's the case.
Oh, I love Grace McLean! So much talent. Glad to see more and more people discovering her!
I would pay actual real money to see Grace McLean and Carolee Carmello sing the Stepsisters’ Lament from the R&H Cinderella. They were both so good and did so much to make the show fun!
This is SO satisfying to have it come full circle like this. As the only Bad Cinderella historian, your opinion is the only one I wanted to hear about this new iteration.
It could have been so cool if they had costumed it the way they did their real housewives promo, very LA, and then made Cinderella really weird looking. Or done something similar to the Hunger Games with the capital residents, and made Cinderella normal-looking. From
The photos, they don’t seem to “other” her enough through her looks to match what the lyrics are telling us about their society
New Yorker here. I saw Bad Cinderella last week, going in with low expectations and only the knowledge gained from watching your videos tbh. I got great seats in Row C in the orchestra for cheap, and on my two occasions visiting the Imperial Box office that day in my indecisiveness, I saw Andrew Lloyd Webber coming and going from rehearsal. It was insane. I snapped an unflattering pic of him. So My experience, I feel, was helped by my good fortune.
You hit some nails on the head. The standouts of the show are Carolee Carmella and Grace McLean. I could watch their schtick for 2.5 hours and be happy. And yes, the Charming Wedding scene was "everything" as the kids say. Also thoroughly enjoy the Man's Man song.
Where I differ is that I think Linedy and Jordan as our romantic leads are utterly boring and their characters, as they are, add very little to the overall story. I did not care enough about either of them. I also found both to not be vocally up to the task of their roles. Maybe it was an off night I saw, but both performers struggled at the top of their registers. And they had zero chemistry, imho. I also liked I Know You, even though I very much agree with it being way too ambiguous and having zero payoff.
Having read many many pages of a popular Broadway message board, I think many people felt similarly to me on the things listed above. Overall I had an enjoyable time. It's a far from perfect show that I don't think will last long in New York (maybe a year.) There are also some real earworms that I cannot stop listening to on the London album.
Unrelated note, the night after I saw this, I was in Brooklyn seeing The Jungle at St. Ann's Warehouse, and as we were exiting, I randomly overheard two people talking about Bad Cinderella and name dropping you as the pre-eminent source of news on the piece. I was shook. But I shouldn't have been. You've truly made it. I also have been low key praying I run into you at a show, as I am at one most nights, but alas lol
I saw the kinescope of Cinderella yesterday. Leave good and sweet things alone.
Update on Sunday 3/26. We are at the same performance of Peter Pan Goes Wrong. I knew we were bound to end up at one show together 😅
I saw the show last week. The performance you saw wasn’t just an off night for the leads. The same weaknesses you mentioned were also in the performance I watched. And I agree, there is an utter lack of chemistry between the leads. It’s a shame as in almost every aspect of this show-from book to score to performance-we see truly talented people not quite clicking.
How does he make the time to film reviews so fast while on holiday abroad!? Legend
We wonder the same thing! Legend indeed!
He‘s not on holiday, he’s on a business trip. This channel is his job.
@@Iwasjustwondering89 just because it's a buissiness trip doesn't mean he can't have fun and maybe treat it like a holiday to???
@@chaoticpoet8992 but when you on a business trip and expensing various things (eg: airfare, accommodation, tickets, etc) you have to keep up some level of work. I am also self employed (not in RUclips/theater) and my accountant needs to see proof that I was actively working on a trip if I am claiming expenses for it. Even down expensing the cost of parking my car, I have to show that I was at a meeting in that location. I am not personally involved in MickeyJo's business btw, I just have experience with freelancing/being a sole trader.
But also taking two weeks out of uploading videos for RUclips will cause his exposure/views/"for you" recommendations to fall massively!
“He doesn’t have the big dick energy that Belleville requires in its monarchy” need this sentence tattooed across my forehead ASAP
I’m so happy that they invited you to the show! I love the way that you dissect shows and give honest reviews. You’re a wonderful modern reviewer. Congrats!!😊
Thank you, I truly appreciate this!
My boyfriend from the other room recognising your voice “what’s Mickey Jo reviewing now?”
Me: “Bad Cinderella. There’s a whole history.”
Him: “why, what happened?”
Me: “WELL….*10 minutes later*…”and what you need to know is that ALW then got someone else to say HIS statement which said about it being a costly mistake and everyone gasped and it was so offensive and disrespectful to the hard work the staff put into his sh*t show.”
Him: “so is Bad Cinderella, bad?”
Me: “I DON’T KNOW YET BUT SOMEONE COMMENTED THEY WORRIED THE SHOW HAD KILLED HIM SO IT’S NOT LOOKING GOOD SAM.”
With what you said about the critics reviewing based on previews -- I remember seeing an interview with Toby Marlow where he was talking about how, with the timing of the Covid shutdown just before the opening night of Six, it meant that pretty much all the reviews had already been written, but couldn't be published because the show didn't officially open, so he had like a year and a half of not knowing what they said.
I hadn't even though of that but it's true! That's so brutal!
Omg if this had happened to me with any of the shows I've written, I would simply perish 😅
The What's On Stage review said ALW hasn't done himself any favours by borrowing the major musical throughline from R&H's Cinderella - I completely agree, it's the main tune I remember but it's so clearly the same as "in my own little corner". I think it's fun to reference R&H's version, but as their Cinderella is totally different it would've made much more sense to have created his own Cinderella theme and have a nod to theirs somewhere in the score.
Saw it last week and…. nearly all of your talking points were things I’ve discussed with anyone who said “omg how was it??” SPOT on assessments… Nearly every song felt too long. Then an immediate reprise 🙄 I’m not familiar with West End and DID NOT understand that Step Mother and the Queen met in a brothel back in the day- I thought they just went to school together. The potato sack vandalism was dumb, and after everyone singing about how much they hate her, they’re propping her up in these cool empowering TikTok dance numbers that make zero sense- honestly agree with about 98% of what you said.
The costumes though… ugh…. The opening costumes, while they might be more colorful than West End, I was in the fourth row of the Orchestra and the patterns were VERY tacky and looked cheap. I hope it translated better from farther back because up close- no.
Can’t wait to see your other NYC reviews!! You’ve earned a like and subscribe from me!!
I think it did translate better further away. I saw it a few weeks ago in the center left of the orchestra and then a second time from the mezzanine. I loved how colorful and fun it was. But I also think most theatre looks better when it's not too close
Following along on this wild journey has genuinely made me a better fiction writer, because WOW is this a case study in ways to mess up a very basic story. Considering how hard ALW has been campaigning for this thing, I wonder if we'll get a pro shot version too, if only so that it might have a longer afterlife than what it gets on Broadway. I'm broke and waaaay across the country so seeing it is not going to be possible for me (at least not in a legal fashion rn) but I kind of hope we get it recorded for posterity.
I saw Bad Cinderella last week and leaving the theatre, the main word I used to describe my thoughts was “confused.” I felt like storylines were added without completion, I was so confused about the Queen’s seemingly incestual obsession with her son (confused about why no one else was talking about that), and it wasn’t until watching this video that I finally understand the I Know You song. I saw a tiktok the other day that said the stepmother was implying that the queen was previously a prostitute and I didn’t get that at all, I *definitely* didn’t catch that the queen recognized the stepmother the same way. Honestly, I thought they were ex-college roommates who has a falling out and so that’s why they knew the intimate details of each other’s personal lives. Like I could imagine them as sorority sisters who were saying “I know what you did at Caramel Apple Pi’s frat party, you’ve said for years you didn’t, you told everyone it was me, but I saw it happen”
I just thought the queen had been ugly (cuz they said something about how her features weren’t in quite the same places) so I was like oh yeah they all got “beaut-ifyed” and I guess she wants to pretend she was always pretty?
But then in my brain it checked out as to why she’d later totally drop it and not be concerned cuz she’s pretty now so whatevs (I’m paraphrasing her thoughts)
I’m for sure borrowing “Caramel Apple Pi” as the name of a fraternity or sorority for something.
Not Caramel Apple Pi 😂
I've been obsessed with this entire journey every since I saw the show at the Gillian Lynne Theatre on opening week, and shortly after when I found your channel, and I just wanna say it's been a pleasure seeing you wade back into the waters every time throughout the developments. What a wild ride we've had.
The flip of the hat had me snort laugh so hard. 😂
Flip into Bad Mickey Jo to bring on the critiques 🤣
100% agree with your opinions about “bad” Cinderella’s character. I felt all the other characters were okay but Cinderella herself was a massive plot hole.
In terms of entertainment I thought it was a fun show but definitely the story was massively flawed.
It’s really interesting that you say West End Cinderella was much more “Bad” than the Broadway Cinderella. Definitely would have loved that concept to have been fleshed out more
Been following this show since 2020, so video being posted feels like the climax of a story! Thank you so much for feeding the fire of my raging hyper fixation.
AJ NO WAY I'M WATCHING THIS VIDEO AND FOUND UR COMMENT HAHAHAHAHA
We saw it a few weeks ago and can’t wait to see if our review hits the same. It didn’t land on our radar until a few months back and chose to go in blind. Can’t wait for this! Really just here for the SpongeBob costume commentary updates!
Omg coming from the RUclips premiere to comment you deserve a MEDAL for doing this for us - thank you for suffering through
The way I'd fix the story a bit: towns people mention god mother in the first song and she makes an appearance. Infact the whole first number is basically about how much they love her and how she makes the beauty standard. Make the towns people literally look identical. Turn the step mother into a step father who knows the queen as he used to go to the 'strip club'. Focus more in the first act on Cinderella and how different she is. The second scene in the village when they announce the ball, Cinderella does something else bad to show she is a rebel and that's why the step 'father' bans her from going. Mention of Cinderella missing her mother more as she too was a rebel because they were from different towns. In the second act have the just make it simple and keep it as Sebastian has til midnight to find a bride' and that's it. Also maybe in the first act Cinderella could joke about wearing glass shoes and that's why he doesn't believe it's her or something. In the wedding scene have Cinderella think she's run out of time and gate crash it and cause havoc as she thinks it's Sebastian's wedding. When they meet at the wedding her and him have to run and escape while the towns people chase after them. Have the ending with them both escaped from the village. The end.
"What's a knob?!" is the reaction 99% of folks in the US will have when they hear the line. That was my reaction and while I could guess the meaning I don't recall ever hearing it before. Certainly it is not an insult and doesn't carry weight in the US. You can put me in the group who will never see Bad Cinderella. The only value I've found in it's existence is that it gives you something to review with passion, humor, insight, and a sprinkle of snark. Enjoy the rest of your stay in NYC and if at all possible to to "Hadestown."
Interesting! As a Canadian, I definitely understand this insult and wouldn't have thought much about it watching the show. I guess that's why we get things like the U.K. Harry Potter books too lol. interesting gradient of culture between our 3 connected homelands!
As an American, I'm surprised. I was just going to write a comment that most Americans would understand this, but I guess not. Sometimes I get annoyed by the amount of handholding other countries think we need, but maybe it is warranted
Regarding the "you knob" line, it made me think of kinky boots- in the west end version, Lauren calls herself "you knob" to berate herself for having a crush on Charlie, but in the broadway version, the lyric is "you flake" which I never really liked, tbh I don't think there's a good American equivalent to "knob"
@@Tiepobadaae It could be a generational thing. I'm 65. Also I haven't watched any British TV beyond some murder mysteries.
Amazing review. With all the reviews starting to come out tonight, I fear for how they will treat the lead. Thank you for not bashing any of the cast.
The cast, as in London, are doing a great job (the best they can).
A brothel? That's what the queen and step mother are singing about it. I saw it in the WE and I totally didn't get that! Pah!
So pleased to see this video!!!
No laughing at knobs! 😂
So many people say this!
When I first heard the title "Bad Cinderella", I guessed it would be a Cinderella revenge narrative. Story plays out in the typical way for act 1, then with her new monarchy power, Cinderella tries to take down those who wronged her -- but does she go too far?
Ultimately it seems like they were just going for "Modern Cinderella"? But not quite that either.
I'd watch that!
It’s 1am in Germany and I was trying to fall asleep, and then I got a notification that this was happening…. Guess I’ll sleep when I’m dead 😂
Same Here! 😂
I'm from the USA. I don't live in New York but have taken Broadway-based trips there. I have seen Lloyd Webber's Big 4: Cats, Evita, Phantom, and Sunset Blvd., all of them several times. I even directed and choreographed a youth musical theatre production of "Cats" to local acclaim in 2011. The only reason I have any interest in "Bad Cinderella" is because of Mickey Jo's coverage in the UK and now his review of the Broadway production. His reviews are so detailed, fair, insightful, and knowledgeable that I wish Lloyd-Webber had hired him as a consultant for the New York production. As an American, I think I would have laughed at the "you knob" line but would the word "dork" have fit in. That is known by just about every American regardless of generation. Not sure of the rhyme scheme situation tho.
Regarding the "you knob" line, it made me think of kinky boots- in the west end version, Lauren calls herself "you knob" to berate herself for having a crush on Charlie, but in the broadway version, the lyric is "you flake" which I never really liked, tbh I don't think there's a good American equivalent to "knob"
the moment we all have been waiting for
Saw this the same night as you! (Also I know that the house, at least in the mezz around me, was LARGELY papered with college theater students which I think contributed to the reaction specifically to the Prince Charming stuff. Girls behind me literally shrieked 😂) ANYWAY. I totally agree with all your thoughts. I have some other critical thoughts BUT on the song front - a huge problem with the songs aside from the lyrics is that not only is every song too long but every song gives you its thesis like five lines in. And then there’s just nowhere to go from there for the actors and from a storytelling perspective. It’s such a strange choice. Like with I Know I Have a Heart the line “I know I have a heart because you broke it” comes in SO EARLY when I feel like it should be the revelation of the song - her feeling all her feelings and then finally being able to put a name to it or piece it together into that thesis. And then the song goes on for four more minutes. 😂 And pretty much all of the ballads fell into the same trap. So strange. Anyway! So glad to hear your thoughts on this version, I’ve been following along with your reviews of this show since the beginning!
That's such a good point about the lyrics, I Know You does the same which is why it feels so insufferably long
@@MickeyJoTheatre Yes! It absolutely does. There’s a lot of telling not showing across the board - it ends up feeling like they don’t trust the audience at all. ESPECIALLY with some of the dialogue. I mean that all said I didn’t have a bad (no pun intended) time! Carolee, Grace and Jordan were all wonderful. Jordan’s LONG applause the night we both saw it after Only You, Lonely You was well deserved!
I was at that showing also! And I agree the audience that night was surprisingly enthusiastic. I wondered if it was a friends and family of the cast and crew sort of thing. I also seem to remember one of the performers remarking that it was the best audience energy they had had to date.
What a great opportunity and addition to the saga of videos you've made for this show!! So proud you got to follow it to BROADWAY!! I hope you're loving NYC!
I saw Jordan Dobson as Orpheus in Hadestown in 2021 and he was INCREDIBLE!
I've seen Bad Cinderella here twice now (gotta love being cheap rush tickets) and it really feels like they tried to write it for The Gays TM. Like, it's SO camp without having any substance underneath? I already had mixed feeling on Andy L Dubs but this show proved no one wants to tell him no
But was the Glass Ass still there?
We need to know!!!!!
the true update we need!
He says in another comment it was!
The unofficial BC historian gives his verdict.. can't wait!
Official*
This is my most anticipated video ever. I RAN when I saw the notification. It is 2 am, I do not care. SO excited
"tHaT's wHaT iT wAs giViNg" 13:04 made me screaaam. Amazing video as always!
Thank you! 😁
It's hilarious and jarring every time a reviewer mentions that the perfect fairytale musical town is called "Belleville" because Belleville is a random mediocre small town in my region
It's also a Subway station in paris
Ontario canada
Ontario bestie
There's also a Belleville in New Jersey and that is what I always think of.
Pretty or nice city in french
As soon as I saw your face, I thought to myself 'that is a broken man'
The editing at the start followed by the cut to you in the bucket hat made me CACKLE. As did the second hat reveal. 😅
I also particularly enjoyed your pained expression while discussing the changes to the statue…
Thanks for yet another fascinating look at the evolution of this musical.
Oh my god that bucket hat is everything! I’ve been waiting for this review and it did not disappoint.
I saw this on Broadway. I wonder if some of the “peppy” tone or the stepmother being kind is down to UK/US differences. In the preview I saw I took Cinderella as more rudely feisty than peppy, and the stepmother as paying to get rid of C versus kindness.
Otherwise, I am stunned to hear there were portions that were improved - because I thought what I saw was rock bottom.
OMG the stepmother in this is Lauren Ambrose in the TV show Servant, namely the ultimate Karen 😂
People have said that it's still a pity that they still left out the potential of their being something vaguely magical/supernatural about The Godmother, as the trope of the main character receiving some form of 'supernatural aid' is usually crucial to making something a 'Cinderella' story, and it's not always necessarily a 'fairy'. In Brother's Grimm's Cinderella and Into The Woods, it's the spirit of Cinderella's dead mother, who is called upon to aid her daughter in some form of necromantic spell or ritual, to give Cinderella a dress for each of the 3 night's of the king's festival.
Really appreciate your well thought out and well-spoken reviews. None of the "bitchy critic trying to be clever" aspect of so many reviews. So excited for you that you've been able to visit New York and experience Broadway. Keep up the good work!
I’ve followed your reviews for several years now - Cinderella is one of the best series you’ve done! Thanks for providing some valuable insight into the true honesty, sadness, and creation that has gone into this show! Can’t wait to see what you review next:)
OMG Hey! It's the review we have been waiting for!
I am about to go to bed but you BET this will be the first thing I check when I wake up tomorrow 😅
I saw it a few weeks ago and pretty much agree with the issues you’ve identified. Once “I Know You” started I had a moment when I realized…oh this musical isn’t for me. It may want to be for a younger audience (I’m not even really young 😅) but it’s just not. The “feminism” and the jokes and the “camp” all read as dated, like my aunt would think “how fun and sassy!” That sort of thing.
Thanks for going through everything so thoughtfully. I was dying to know all the changes from the West End, and your insights in general are always very satisfying.
The bucket hat reversal to get down to business.... excellent. Here you go🏆
When you played the clip of the cast singing happy birthday, I had had a bit too much wine, and inadvertently shouted, "BOO, VILLAIN," by myself, at the screen. 😅
I'm sure many of the cast were inwardly booing too 😅
Your content gives me life & much insight to the West End vs. B’way. Very happy for your maiden soujourn to NYC & hope I’ll make the same trip to the West End eventually!
Okay...so just for shits and giggles...here are some of the review taglines that made me laugh:
Washington Post: "...gets the title it deserves"
New York Post: "A wacko storybook dumpster fire on Broadway"
New York Times: "The Title Warned Us"
Vulture: "If Only Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella Were Worse"
Entertainment Weekly: "Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical is bibbidi-bobbidi-basic"
Variety: "Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Muddled, Sexed-Up, Broadway Spin on the Fairy Tale Is True to Its Name"
AMNY: "If not necessarily bad, ‘Bad Cinderella’ is kind of eh…."
The Wrap: "Frankly, She’s Also a Real Brat" (Andrew Lloyd Webber Struggles with the Disney Format)
Observer: "Bad Cinderella’s Glass Slipper? More Like a Moldy Croc" (...it’s TikTok meets grandfather clock)
Theater Mania: "Does Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bad Cinderella Live Up to Its Name? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But one thing’s for certain: It’s horny AF."
Chicago Tribune: "Bad Cinderella on Broadway pointlessly blows up a fairy tale"
There are some great one-liners here! "Dumpster Fire" and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Basic" are classic! Not to mention "It's horny AF" LOL
And oddly enough, he didn't show up to opening!!! Hmmmm Says a lot.
His son is in hospital that’s why he didn’t showed up. Have a little respect of that
@@marcusgomez3447 I didn't look into why he didn't show up. Clearly there was a reason, DUH! But looking up why would mean I care about him. FYI...Respect is EARNED, not DEMANDED or DESERVED. And based on his actions in the past, especially with this show in the West End, he doesn't deserve respect. It's my opinion and I am completely within my right to have it. But thanks for trying to school me.
Those are wild. What's On Stage said "a cheeky, horny semi-mess, but not the total loss many of us were expecting" !
(ALW had press released he wouldn't be able to attend the opening because his son is seriously ill, so we'll never know if he would've gone otherwise.)
Moldy croc 😂
@@darrenhales6094 Your comment was "And oddly enough, he didn't show up to opening!!! Hmmmm Says a lot" which is clearly implying he didn't show up because he didn't stand by his show, which was not the reason. Respecting someone missing something because their child is battling cancer should be automatic - nobody needs to "earn" it by you liking that person. That's just being an empathetic and decent human being.
These Cinders videos never get old. Literally love every single one you put out 😂 it’s like a THING now.
The hype is unparalleled
I feel like bad cinderella would've been a much better show if it focused on cinderella being less mature and more active than in the original.
She acts out and blames her actions on her situation before realising at the end that she's in her late teens and has enough agency to change her life for the better. She let's go of her resentment for her step family and moves on, leaving home and starting her new life having learned that she is responsible for her actions and looking after her self. The prince helps her on this journey showing her the bigger picture, ( his imput making her see that she can't just sit and do chores and get more angry her whole life, she needs to think for herself) and they start dating at the end etc. Etc.
It seems like a good way of making her "bad" but it's less about the kingdom being bad and more about her learning that the way she is coping with her situation is (while understandable) unhealthy.
I love how NEW YORK you look in that outfit. It was like London, London, London in the past..switch to New York cool outfit smooooth! LOVE it!
"it's giving drag race design challenge" that paints a picture, yes it does
I literally just saw this show tonight so I can finally know what you’re talking about!! I am a very harsh critic when it comes to Broadway but this show pleasantly surprised me. What you pointed out as things that needed improvements were things I really liked, for example the fact that she never verbally admits her love for Sebastian. I think the reason for that is because she hasn’t even admitted it to herself. I also think that long song sequence Cinderella has during act 2 works very well. One minute she’s crying because her heart is broken but when she immediately starts singing the reprise, it’s kind of like she’s “snapping out of it” in a way.. like I’m bad Cinderella why the hell am I here crying over a boy when I’m a whole baddie. I loved that!! Overall- it’s a 7/10. The writing needs a lot of work but I loved everything else especially the lighting design, direction, and choreography. Now having seen the show, I definitely think it deserves more recognition, but it’s reputation persigues it. Linedy Genao was amazing, as I knew she would be. Us Dominicans are usually very talented people ;)
It sounds like it's a step up from the original version but not enough which is what I was afraid of. I feel with a bit more workshopping it could have really got there but they rushed this thing so fast to Broadway it didn't have time to cook with it's new spices.
I'm so excited to hear your opinion on the Observer's "mold croc" review lol
I have been WAITING with baited breath for this review!❤❤❤
Congratulations to the real winner here, Mr. Hot Buns
The hero we didn’t know we needed
Hope you’re enjoying your time stateside! I’m heading to your side of the world this fall. hopefully I’ll get to take in some theater there.
The video we have all been waiting for!
A little obsessed with the reversible bucket hat.
Reading NY critic reviews, and overall they seem to share the same sentiments that you and others have been talking about for years. I’m surprised that they didn’t make further adjustments to the script and lyrics. I know ALW’s son is sick, so that most likely impacted his participation in those types of
conversations, but I think they should’ve waited til next season, give it more time to work out the issues with the script and all that (maybe find a better director). I’ve seen some critics really pointing out how the show felt like old people trying to be hip with the youths and I think that’s the most damming criticism it can have in terms of commercial appeal.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve been dying to know what has changed in the show. Enjoy the rest of your time in New York 😊
this review is the Endgame of the Bad Cinderella-verse 😂
Thank you so much for your support of Broadway Cares! 🙂
The way I cackled when it was time to get serious!
I feel like I’m witnessing history 😂
I got to see it in previews with my daughter. Uneven but fun overall. Our biggest criticism, though, was that the fairy godmother was set up as a sinister character (a fun "flip the script" idea), but the rest of the show did *nothing* with that. Huge missed opportunity, and why even bother?
I agree! In the west end she reminded me of Ursula from the Little Mermaid (taking the necklace like taking her voice) and I thought it could've been better if she was a mastermind villain controlling the town through the 'beauty' market, and then cinderella would have had to bring her down and free everyone.
@@HelenRosemarySmith Oh Helen, that would have been brilliant!
@@charliehitchcock3080 if the villagers had given the impression at the start that there was something uncanny going on, if we got the sense that they were all putting on a show and scared of being themselves (whatever that means for them), then by the end everyone could be embracing beauty in all its forms and even if Cinderella still leaves at the end, she's been seen by them and she's seen them so there's been a reconciliation. It gives her rebelliousness a cause!
When you mentioned how no one laughed at the knob part, I think it's partly because of cultural differences. That's the simpliest way I can put it. Some jokes or stuf people say here can confuse people from other countries and vise versa. There have been a lot of times I've seen a movie from London and there will be things that I wouldn't get. But how I can is by looking at the context of what's happening and that seems to help me understand. But that's only with certian phrases, others I still wouldn't get unless it's explained or I relate it to a saying here
Love the hat son & an excellent review as ever. Keep up the energy 🍩
Watching Cinderella in 1.5x speed genuinely fixes it … try it on RUclips trust me
The songs aren’t too long -they’re too slow.
Andrew slows down his playing with age - his musicals slow down…. It just needs some youth!
Love your review, as I expected! I agree so much with many of your points, especially with Cinderella’s lack of a defined personality. The biggest issue, imo, is everything we are told about this character is via exposition, with little to nothing be “told” about her by her own actions. Why is she bad? What makes her a rebel? I still don’t know.
Also, while I’m sure Jordan is great, I saw his understudy (Julio) for Sebastian and he was INCREDIBLE (and honestly looks a bit like you/has similar vibes to you) and I hope he gets to be a lead in something in the future!
I liked the original bunz and roses vs beauty is our duty. I saw the broadway previews and sounds like they added the line with the fairy godmother. I'm glad they did. her character is random but they didn't have that line. Sounds like they may have made the statue reveal and story more clear too
Excellent work as always
Canadian here and understand "knob"
Saw BC last week. I have been following this saga only because of your channel. And let me tell you, you nailed it! Every single thing you talk about was spot on. I personally found the show obnoxious on soo many levels of which i was not expecting. 😅
I saw the show during the first few weeks of previews. It's exactly as you said, the costumes are bright and flashy and enjoyably, so is the set and the music. But the issue is that I was more interested in seeing the ensemble numbers and side characters (aka Prince Charming) than I was with Cinderella herself. Linedy Genao has an amazing voice, but I think her costume and lack of actual scenes really diminishes her character.
Hi, I accidentally found your channel, and I watch all videos non-stop. I live in New York and love theater and musicals. It's exciting to listen to comparing the UK and New York. I hope one day I will visit London and musicals as well. I saw Bad Cinderella before closing. I knew that it had terrible reviews, but to be honest, I liked it. First of all, I like music. And when I left the show, I had the feeling of a fairy tale. It's entertaining. And what people need to have a good time. I don't agree with the reviews. It was not such bad as they said. The orchestra and music are fantastic 🎉
Admire the dedication to being the ALW Cinderella historian!
The delivery of this 'ohmygod hey' had me laughing through the first solid minute.
Saw it this past Tuesday with the Cinderella alternate and actually enjoyed the show more than I thought. We loved Jason Dobson and I think that's my overall feeling about the show, it has some great musical numbers and some great performances, but I feel like the book is problematic. No matter what, I will never like the Man's Man number and it's just so bizarre that his mother is part of this number. It could be assigned to a secretary of state or any other member of the court but it just seems way too bizarre as is currently stands.
That said...and I could probably go deeper...you are always gracious and on point and I wish New York critics were as intelligent as you.
I just saw it Saturday night. It's not perfect, but it's a good time and a lot of fun!
I would not put it in the same league as Phantom or JCSS - I think mostly because the Cinderella story has been done so many times and it's a crowded space already - Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella and the Disney version have such a tight grip on it, at least here in the US. And I feel this show seems very modern, so it's capturing the current Zeitgeit... but doesn't have that timeless quality that something like Phantom does to make it so enduring. I think if you go in with Phantom as your basis you may be disappointed. But otherwise, I would recommend people go see it!
I feel this show borrows HEAVILY from drag culture. It's basically a bunch of people with over the top outfits/make-up throwing shade at each other for 2hrs 45min. Implying each other are whores or ugly... I mean that's literally like watching skits on drag race. The audience the night I went usually had a mix of laughs and also gasps from just how bitchy some of the things they said were. It is walking a very fine line between roasting and mean, sometimes stumbling over that line. But just like drag isn't for everyone, this show might be hit or miss with some audiences. There are also some big time homoerotic... I wouldn't even call them undertones... they're tones. It's there, blatantly. The gym scene? (ohh pit crewwww) Prince charming return? (although I wish they had kept the song about slaying the seawitch!).
I like Linedy in the role, but I haven't seen the UK version to compare. Although I feel as a character, Cinderella wasn't given much to do... she almost felt like a side character even though the play is named after her. Maybe because everyone else is so over the top? But when Linedy sings, she really shines, especially "I know I have a heart" which got very loud cheers afterwards. (although I agree with you, she just ran on stage and started singing, was a bit abrupt story wise). I was also surprised that Cinderella sang a mix of the UK version lyrics and the US single release version lyrics for "Bad Cinderella" --- "girl from the gutter, unpleasant peasant" and "Skyhigh IQ" made it in, but "when you see that I can see through you" also did instead of "plexiglass houses". Makes me wonder if they will release it again with a full cast recording with the final set of lyrics? Sure, some story elements don't make sense, but like I said this feels more like going to a fairytale themed drag show than a show where narrative is important.
My biggest complaint - why does Cinderella look like Elsa when she transforms into her ball outfit?? Frozen also has a rip away dress reveal and with the blond hair and the form fitting sparkly dress... it was giving so much Elsa vibes I wondered if it was intentional. Also I agree with you the "Belle Ville" set pieces give big time high school production vibes. Fun fact - I went to high school with someone in the ensemble.
On a somber note, I went the day ALW's son lost his battle with cancer, and we all had a somber moment of silence in his honor after the curtain call bows. This cast/crew seems like they've really become family and was nice to see them supporting him. The people next to me knew Linedy and said she's one of the sweetest people they know and are so happy for her. It's almost her own "cinderella story" going from a banker to originating a broadway role for ALW.
Anyways, that's my two cents. Love your channel, have been following the Bad Cinderella saga on your channel from the start. Fascinating stuff! Everyone else if in NYC, go see it and add to the dialogue around it!
I absolutely have to know when in CATS they used a revolving stage.
In London it was great
@@shelleyharris4176 at what point in the show did the stage/audience revolve? The Jellicle Ball?
@@IWillBeHers No, during the overture
@@IWillBeHers the overture
@@MondoMiami huh. Interesting.
the BUCKET HAT is REVERSIBLE????? i laughed so much. but also as always, very thoughtful insights :)
I agree with most of what you say.
I did like the show in a campy way (kindla like how I enjoyed Diana) and the performances were brilliant.
The "knob" line did work in some previews (the one I went to had the laugh)
Still needs work, but it's not too bad
Bucket hat? It's "Bouquet." No, it's Bouquet!!!!
😂 I love a Keeping Up Appearances reference
ALW doing a "not like other girls" Cinderella feels like ALW trying his "not like other girls" Dorothy again, but making sure people remember it this time
Thank you for this although I wanted to kind of the reveal of the Cinderella in act one I would’ve had the curtain and have a silhouette and then literally just show the glass slippers on her feet job done. and then we as the audience get to see her the same way as everyone on stage does in act two. I thought that would’ve been a better one for both West End and Broadway.
I’m looking forward to booking my Broadway trip soon to go and see this.
They cut Unbreakable? That and Far Too Late are the ones that I found immediately compelling . I kind of get it though because it doesn't scream "Broadway musical" to me so much as "movie musical" because it feels smaller and not very sing-to-the-back-of-the-theatre if that makes sense. It is funny to me though that "Far Too Late" (while my favourite song in it) says "Far too late to sing a love song" when she already HAD a love song (I Know I Have a Heart) and a love dirge (Unbreakable) in the west end version.