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For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella

For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella

RaisedOnMusicals Profile Photo
RaisedOnMusicals
#1For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/18/14 at 6:13pm

One the big questions we had when the new cast was announced was whether it would impact the demographics of the show's audience. Specifically (and obviously), would it attract an increased number of people of color to the show? So, I'm wondering, did you notice any difference in the audience demographics? Did all of the publicity work?


CZJ at opening night party for A Little Night Music, Dec 13, 2009.

ucjrdude902 Profile Photo
ucjrdude902
#2For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/18/14 at 11:14pm

Having seen it with Laura and now tonight, I would say the demographics have changed. A much larger African-American crowd of all ages. I thought KeKe and Sherri were both great. I was pleasantly surprised with the development of KeKe's voice. Just a few thoughts and questions I have:

1. Why did they cut the forest giant?
2. New costume for Judy Kaye? Was there a reason for that?
3. The front set of horses for some reason weren't working. You could see a look of "Uh-oh" but they kept going.
4. Funny moment, before the banquet when Jean Michel storms in he got caught on the door and had to be assisted by KeKe, I forget what the line was but he added, "And I'm sick of being caught on the door!". They both all most lost it. Crowd went wild, fun moment!

One other note, I know in earlier preview threads there were comments about dance sequences being too long. Well the crowd tonight sure loved them. Thunderous applause after "10 Minutes Ago" and "Prince Is..."

iluvtheatertrash
#2For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/18/14 at 11:56pm

I saw it today at the matinee. Most definitely it has changed.

KeKe is a charming actress, but not a strong singer. Unless she's sick, that was quite rough. And Sherri is flat, dull and lands only one laugh.


"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

RW3
#3For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/19/14 at 12:06am

Keke posted to her Instagram account that she has a sinus infection.

iluvtheatertrash
#4For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/19/14 at 12:18am

Ah, okay. That makes sense. I must admit, I started to think that she was sick. She sounded very congested. But she was otherwise charming.


"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

gleek4114 Profile Photo
gleek4114
#5For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/19/14 at 7:53am

How has rush been lately? I'm trying the lotto for Hedwig tonight and if I fail this was my back up. Would there still be rush tickets 2 hours before curtain?

iluvtheatertrash
#6For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/19/14 at 9:36am

Considering more than half the house was empty yesterday, I'd imagine you'd be oka.


"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

RaisedOnMusicals Profile Photo
RaisedOnMusicals
#7For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/19/14 at 12:25pm

ucjrdude, I believe (and posted it recently on the other Cinderella thread) that the scene involving the Forrest Giant was cut for safety reasons. The stilts broke, at least once, and someone was injured, though not seriously.


CZJ at opening night party for A Little Night Music, Dec 13, 2009.

GreasedLightning Profile Photo
GreasedLightning
#8For Whizzer and anyone else who has seen Cinderella since KeKe took over as Ella
Posted: 9/19/14 at 12:43pm

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought rush was only sold on Tuesdays-Thursdays, or has that changed?