In This Story
Before you experience Virginia Opera's delightful production of Cinderella on Saturday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 23 at 2 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, take a look at the story behind Rossini's version of this beloved tale.
When composer Gioachino Rossini wrote La Cenerentola ("Cinderella, or Goodness Triumphant"), he was just barely 25 years old—and already famous for The Barber of Seville. He composed the entire opera in only 24 days, and it premiered on January 25, 1817, at Rome's Teatro Valle.
Rossini's Cinderella is a little different from the fairy tale you might remember. There's no fairy godmother or glass slipper here... instead, a wise tutor named Alidoro helps our heroine find her happily ever after, and a bracelet takes the place of the famous slipper. The story still sparkles with romance and humor, but it's also about kindness, forgiveness, and staying true to yourself, even when the odds are against you.
Audiences quickly fell in love with the opera's catchy melodies, quick wit, and heartwarming message. More than 200 years later, La Cenerentola continues to charm audiences of all ages proving that a good story, and a good heart, never go out of style.
Stage direction will be led by David Lefkowich, praised as “high-energy… with a firehose of ideas about making opera more popular and accessible” (Minneapolis Star Tribune).
“Rossini’s Cinderella is full of charm, humor, and breathtaking music that speaks across generations,” said Adam Turner, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of Virginia Opera. “It’s an ideal production for families new to opera ― children will be captivated by the fairytale story, while adults will be thrilled by the vocal fireworks and the beauty of live performance.”
Join us one hour prior to both performances for pre-performance discussions, moderated by George Mason University Dewberry School of Music Professor Richard Leech. Families can also enjoy a special meet & greet with Cinderella and the Prince following the Sunday, November 23 matinee performance, and take selfies with the fairytale couple, creating a magical memory to treasure.
About the Production
Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
By Gioachino Rossini
Directed by David Lefkowich
The orchestra for this production is provided by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.
Fairfax performances conducted by Brandon Eldredge
CAST
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Mezzo-soprano Lisa Marie Rogali stars as Angelina (Cinderella) following her acclaimed Virginia Opera debut last season in the titular role of Carmen. Critics hailed her performance as “a not-to-be-missed, bang-up performance” (The Virginian-Pilot) and her voice as “a beautiful instrument, lovely lows that can soar thrillingly” (OperaGene). |
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Tenor David Walton returns to Virginia Opera, reprising his 2019–2020 role as Prince Ramiro. DC Theater Arts praised his earlier performance: “Walton provided graceful vocal lines… his Ramiro is a genuinely nice guy, unpretentious, lacking in arrogance, who sees the hearts of people rather than their surfaces.” |
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Joining the cast is former Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist baritone Patrick Wilhelm as Dandini, following his recent mainstage debuts as Masetto (Don Giovanni) and Le Dancaïre (Carmen). |
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Baritone Levi Hernandez returns to perform the role of Don Magnifico, having last appeared with Virginia Opera as Sharpless in Madama Butterfly (2011, 2019). |
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Making his Virginia Opera debut is bass Isaiah Musik-Ayala as Alidoro. His voice has been described by The New York Times as “burly and resonant” and by San Francisco Classical Voice as “commanding and compelling.” |
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Current Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Maggie Kinabrew plays stepsister Clorinda. |
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Current Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Melanie Dubil plays stepsister Tisbe. |