Genao is the first Latina in a leading role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, on Broadway

Linedy Genao, the lead actor in Broadway's "Bad Cinderella," describes her life's journey as a Cinderella story in the program's performer bios. This statement is not an exaggeration. Genao was working in a bank when she attended an open casting call and landed a role in the Broadway musical "On Your Feet!" Now, she stars in a new and unconventional version of Cinderella, where she plays the titular role. Genao is 31 and what’s more, she is the first Latina to play a leading role in a musical created by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show is currently in previews at the Imperial Theatre in New York and will officially open on March 23.

The new version of Cinderella portrays the princess as a nonconformist who challenges conventional standards of beauty and behavior. Linedy Genao, who stars as Cinderella, admires her character's boldness, outspokenness, and unapologetic individuality. Cinderella confidently expresses herself and behaves authentically, taking up space and fearlessly embracing her true self. Of Dominican American heritage and raised in Connecticut, Linedy Genao was born in Brooklyn. Her natural Brooklyn-Dominican accent can be heard in some of the humorous lines of her character. She feels a strong connection to the role and her personal background. "It's beautiful and a little scary," Genao said. She added, "I bring my own experiences, along with the story of Cinderella that we've all grown up with."

While Genao is not the first Latina to portray Cinderella, she is the first to originate the role on Broadway. Camila Cabello played the character in the 2021 movie version, and Dania Ramirez portrayed Cinderella on ABC's "Once Upon a Time" in 2017. Genao has received high praise from Andrew Lloyd Webber, who called her "spectacular." Working with the famed composer and theater impresario has been "an incredible experience," according to Genao. Lloyd Webber has encouraged Genao to embrace her authentic self in the role, even recording an English and Spanish version of the show's title track, "Bad Cinderella," with her during a trip to London. This is a stark contrast to the beginning of Genao's career.

Linedy Genao made her professional acting debut on Broadway in 2015, playing the youngest member of the adult cast in "On Your Feet!" Since then, she has appeared in other Broadway productions such as "Dear Evan Hansen," and regional productions of "West Side Story" and "In the Heights." It is uncommon for Latin Americans to land leading roles in Broadway productions, particularly in parts not specifically written for ethnic performers. According to a 2022 report by Actors Equity Association, which is the stage performers' union, only 4.1% of union contracts in the United States between 2019 and 2020 went to Latinos. On the audience side, research indicates that around 75% of Broadway audiences are white.

What’s the story about?

The kingdom of Belleville is a picturesque place where the people, the fields, and the prince are all enchanting. However, there is one stubborn peasant who refuses to fit in with the perfect residents and royals: Cinderella. Her only friend in the kingdom is Prince Sebastian, who is also overlooked by the flawless society. When his older brother, Prince Charming, goes missing, Sebastian is suddenly thrust into the limelight as the new heir to the throne. To secure his position, Sebastian must find a bride at the ball and accept an unhappy future. But Cinderella doesn't want to lose her only friend to the crown and seeks help from the Godmother, who can solve any problem... for a price.