West End production of “CinderellaHe shot the final arc in London on Sunday night, although a key member of the production’s creative team was not present at the Gillian Lane Theater but Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, who was composing the music for the new adaptation of the classic fairy tale, was not on the spot at the flesh appear.’
Instead, the musical theater giant wrote a read-aloud letter to production manager Lawrence Connor thanking the production members, before calling the endeavor a “costly mistake” — a comment that was met with loud cheers.
Connor read aloud and paused to indicate that Webber thanked him before listing the other key contributors. “I keep thinking that if we had only opened three months later, we wouldn’t have to delay opening twice because of COVID… I promise we would have been here for a long time.”
“My big thank you to everyone. We followed a statement from Webber. It may have been a costly mistake, but I’m proud of what we’ve done and will forever be grateful to everyone who supported me.”
The recitation of “Exorbitant Error” led to murmurs from the audience and a glimpse of confusion that was visible from the production crew as they took to the stage.
“Cinderella has had some of the best reviews of my career and I’m very proud of that and you all deserve it. All my love, Andrew,” concluded Webber’s statement. After a short pause, a certain mockery went through the room. Remarkably, Webber’s name was actually mentioned earlier in the curtain call following Connor announced that the composer had sent a letter in lieu of his presence.
Cinderella has seen a rocky road in recent months. Production with lyrics by David Seibel and a book by Promising Woman writer and director Smaragdgrünes VinylAfter several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it finally opened in August 2021. Cinderella had to temporarily suspend its operations during the ensuing holiday period due to the spread of COVID-19 in London at the time.
Cinderella is just one of many turbulent productions across the theater industry, which continues to face limited attendance and unexpected disruptions due to the pandemic. The cast and crew were notified of the show’s impending closure in early May surprising announcement That sparked claims for damages from Equity, the performers’ and creators’ union.
Representatives for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Emerald Fennell might not be reached immediately. diverse I also reached out to Equity for comment. There was no comment from the London Theater Association.
“What I think regarding this production is that we created something really special,” Connor told the audience during his special address. “I want us to see that final performance that day with everyone.”
