A Bad Cinderella Debrief

I never thought I would be writing about how much I loved Bad Cinderella. I never even thought I would see the show much less like it. Looking back I realize that I let other people’s opinions create my opinion about the show without ever seeing it. I feel like I owe the show an apology for that. I fed into the negative talk on social media that probably contributed to the show's closing

When I first saw the clips promoting the show, I was not sure it was something that I would like. All of the clips I saw were of the title song “Bad Cinderella” and it was not the vibe I was looking for. I figured if I don’t like the main song, I probably wouldn’t like the show. I think that’s what a lot of people online felt too.

After seeing the show though the song feels like that one single off an album that no one likes but it still makes the most sense as the lead single. I hope there is a cast album of the show released one day so that other people can hear the great moments that you can’t find on social media.

I bought rush tickets to a matinee show. I sat in the front mezzanine but if I had known I would like the show as much as I did I would have splurged on the orchestra seat. I tell you this because it's sort of important to my whole experience at the show.

The guy that sat right behind me was amazing. He cheered for every person on the stage and while I didn’t talk to him I’m sure he’s a lovely person. The other people around me on the other hand were less lovely. Three of them would not stop talking about how they didn’t like the show. This conversation took place before the show even started so if they disliked it so much why were they here ruining other people’s experience?

I tried not to let them ruin my experience but with how close the seats are it was impossible to ignore them.

Of the four shows I saw that weekend, this one was my second favorite (nothing can beat Shucked if I’m being honest). Everything about it was amazing. The theater was beautiful, the staff was amazing, and I have to say their collectible cup was my favorite. I liked it so much that I picked another one up off the ground on my way out of the theater so I could have two!

Going into the show, I was afraid it would be predictable because it's a Cinderella retelling, there are not a lot of places you can go. I was incredibly wrong. This show proved me wrong at every turn and I wish I could see it again just to really take it all in.

After the show, I went outside to stage door and I am so glad I did. Almost every member of the cast came outside despite the rainy weather. Everyone looked so happy and proud of the show they just performed and they should be. I wish I could have hugged everyone and told them how amazing they were. I was by myself so I wasn’t able to take a lot of pictures but the interactions are ingrained in my brain. I can’t emphasize this enough EVERYONE WAS SO NICE!

They took time to sign two playbills for me even though I didn’t ask them to. I had three in my hand because I had picked up two extras (I only meant to get one) so that I would be able to cover my original playbill and keep it dry.

Like most shows, I think Bad Cinderella caters to a very specific audience, that audience being people who are looking for a fun time filled with loud costumes and big production numbers. I am a part of that audience.

I feel like a few missteps early in the production led to people making opinions about the show that ultimately led up to it announcing its closing date. I remember reading stories about the West End production and while the show reviews weren’t bad, the press after its closing wasn’t great. Looking back I think people went into the Broadway production with opinions based on everything that happened with that production. It was easy to hate it because everyone thought they knew what it was before it even opened.

Are there some quirky moments that could be taken out? Yes. Honestly, though, I think they add to the experience. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s part of what makes it so fun! It is everything current-day Broadway should be: fun, lighthearted, and enjoyable. Every show doesn’t have to require deep thought and reflection from its audience. It doesn’t have to be perfect either.

I also think that some of the bad press the show has received (mostly on social media) paints an inaccurate picture of the show. Part of me even wonders if some of the people talking about the show on social media have even seen it or if it is just trendy to talk bad about it so people do it for views. There were so many great moments that I never saw people talk about. Again I wish I could see it again to catalog all the best moments.

As the cast takes its final bows this weekend, I hope they are able to soak up every moment. I hope the crowd is filled with people that genuinely love the show who can help make the environment perfect for these wonderful performers. This cast deserves all the praise for continuing to put their heart and soul into every performance despite what people say!