Isn’t it high time we had a Cinderella who aims higher than marrying well and living cushily ever after? Also, let’s face it, as characters go, Cinderella can be a bit meh. She’s nice and all, but a bit martyrish and drab, even when fired up and dressed up. Generally, it’s the villainesses we’re keen to see: that mean, snobby stepmother and her insufferable offspring.
Geared to children seven and up, Hip Hop Cinderella – conceived up by Linda Chichester and David Coffman, founders of the incubator company HipHopMusicals.com – is that rarity: a clever concoction guaranteed to entertain the adults conscripted into chaperoning. The Amas Musical Theatre production is on view at the New Victory on 42nd Street for a brief two-week run.
Scott Elmegreen’s book for this gloss – set in a galaxy far, far in the future – is perfectly paired by Rona Siddiqui’s ‘70s-tribute music and lyrics, and by a snazzy set (Riw Rakkulchon) popping with special lighting and projection effects (Jason Kantrowitz and Brad Peterson, respectively).
In this futuristic setting, travel by personal jet may have become the norm, but some things never change: e.g., greed, selfishness, snobbery – all the classic oldies.
As designated household drudge, Cinderella (power singer Brittany Nicole Williams) of course spends her days carrying out chores in the basement. At least she has company: Runka (Jeremiah Garcia), a helpful, if somewhat superannuated robot who goes by “they” and is obsessed with livestreaming their humdrum routine via Instahologram (no one’s interested).
Concerned by the growing threat of “interstellar civil war,” the partying Prince (John El-Jor, coolly charismatic) decides to host a rap contest, for lack of a better idea. The winner, he proclaims, “will come live in the Zollan Palace—as the leader of the next generation of the King’s heroic Rebel Rappers of the Round Table.”
Evil stepmother Lady Zurka (hilarious Lyn Philistine) is all over it, and if she can’t win – she competes in a couple of guises, including a uke-strumming flower child and a death-metal screecher – then perhaps, as “momager,” she can hoist her bubble-brained Valley Girl daughters Zig and Zag (Alondra Belen and Maddie Robert) into the limelight.
Were it not for loyal Runka, who pep-talks Cinderella with the rap “Out of the Basement,” all would be lost – and even when victory seems assured, an unforeseen danger remains. Once “Ella C” is crowned, Cinderella’s long-suppressed ego surfaces with a vengeance.
The show is packed with meaningful messages, yet they never come across as treacly. If you have an excuse to go – for example, a young one who could use some entertaining – definitely don’t hold back. Even without a pint-size pretext, you could always treat yourself.
