Are you looking for a romantic date idea for Valentine’s Day?
Your search is over because the Center is offering a special Valentine’s Date Package for Virginia Opera’s dreamy production of Cinderella. The package includes two tickets for Cinderella by Gioachino Rossini, plus champagne and chocolates, two commemorative champagne glasses, and two spill-proof tumblers (to enjoy your drinks inside). Also, you and your valentine will have an opportunity to get your picture taken in the Center’s Fairyland photo station. The Valentine’s Date Package is available for both performances of Virginia Opera’s Cinderella on February 15 at 8:00 p.m. and February 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Valentine Date Package details
To purchase please call the Center for the Arts Ticket Office at 703-993-2787.
Rossini vs. Disney
Rossini’s Cinderella was composed in 1817—more than 130 years before the treasured Disney version. While both versions are similar and end happily-ever-after, there are some notable differences, including:
- The Glass Slipper: in Rossini’s Cinderella, the heroine, Angelina, does not lose her glass slipper. Instead, she gives the prince one of her matching bracelets to help him find her again, which is way better than glass slippers—not breakable, right!?
- Cinderella’s “magic” transformation: Actually, in the opera, it’s the prince who disguises himself as his servant in order to find a woman who loves him for who he is.
- Cinderella’s wicked stepmother: In fact, this time there’s a wicked stepfather.
- Fairy godmother singing “bibbidi bobbidi boo”: Another nope. Instead, the prince’s tutor, Alidoro, gives Angelina a nice dress and takes her to the ball—very similar to Drew Barrymore’s character in the movie Ever After (yet another “Cinderella story”).
- Magic: The “magic” in Rossini’s opera is that personal transformation, kindness, and forgiveness are “magical” properties that drive the story (and frankly, with her family, it is magical that Angelina is so very kind).
In the end though, no matter the differences between the two stories, one constant remains: Cinderella falls in love with her man (who just happens to be a prince), marries him, and extends her forgiveness and love to those who wronged her. The heart-warming message is perfect to celebrate with your Valentine.
Virginia Opera: Cinderella
Saturday, February 15 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Center for the Arts
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Tickets and more information