I have been very critical of Cinderella ever since it started previews; the new book was and always will be a total bastardization of the material, but I have to admit that I had a great time tonight, and this was easily the most I've enjoyed the show.
Keke Palmer is simply wonderful in the role. There's no comparison to the shoddy vocal performance from Carly Rae Jepsen, and although Laura sang the part beautifully, there was something about Palmer's charisma that had me wrapped around her little finger. There's real star quality there. (I happened to be listening to "My Own Morning" walking over to the theater and I told my friend at intermission that someone needs to put her in an Encores production of Hallelujah Baby ASAP!!)
I enjoyed Judy Kaye's performance too. She brought an earthy quality to the role that made the Crazy Marie scenes more real than comic and her chemistry with Palmer during Impossible was lovely.
The one hitch in the night was Sherri Shepherd. Not since Ashlee Simpson has there been a performance like this on Broadway! Shouting, unfunny- that big monologue where she throws out Ella and Gabrielle was awkward and painful. With Harriet Harris and especially Fran the role felt so large and dominating. Sherri just faded into the background most of the time.
Of note- the tree monster at the beginning was cut. The last time I saw the show was near the beginning of Jepsen's run and it was still in. Has this been permanently removed, or did something just happen tonight?
I really, really hope Palmer comes back to Broadway and tries her hand at originating a role. She definitely has the talent and I'm thrilled to have seen her performance this evening.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
She'll get used to it though
