Miami performances are at the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami.

Fort Lauderdale performances are at the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

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La Cenerentola

Music Excerpts:

Gioachino Rossini
Libretto by Jacopo Ferretti

Though he omitted the pumpkin, glass slipper, and fairy godmother, Rossini was true in every other way to everyone’s favorite rags-to-riches classic, Cinderella. This “once upon a time” story is complete with wicked siblings, a quintessential Prince Charming, dazzling music, fairytale-like sets and costumes and, of course, a “happily ever after” ending.

“Rossini fills up this very human story with his most overtly ebullient and exceptionally moving music, making this a tremendously entertaining and inspired piece that has become a brilliant staple of the operatic repertoire.

“Far and away my favorite of Rossini’s operas.”

A. Scott Parry
Stage Director

Cast

Cenerentola
Jennifer Rivera, Jan 24, 27 & 30 in Miami; Feb 7 in Broward
Julie Boulianne, Jan 25m, 28 & 31 in Miami; Feb 5 in Broward

Don Ramiro
Frédéric Antoun, all performances

Don Magnifico
Gaétan Laperrière, all performances

Dandini
Marian Pop, all performances

Clorinda
Nili Riemer, all performances

Conductor (Miami performances)
Joel Revzen

Conductor (Fort Lauderdale performances)
Andrew Bisantz

Stage Director
A. Scott Parry

Set Designer
Gary Eckhart

Costume Designer
John Lehmeyer

Lighting Designer
Gordon W. Olson

Production
Baltimore Opera

Photograph of Jennifer Rivera as Angelina/Cenerentola by Will Shiveley.

Sung in Italian with English and Spanish projected titles made possible by TOTALBANK.

Miami performances of La Cenerentola are funded in part by Funding Arts Network.

Synopsis

Act I.

Two sisters, Clorinda and Tisbe, are trying on clothes while their step-sister, Angelina, called Cenerentola, works. There is a knock at the door: It is a beggar. Cenerentola offers him food and drink, outraging her step-sisters. Only the arrival of courtiers announcing the imminent arrival of Don Ramiro, a prince in search of a wife, distracts them. Cenerentola sends the beggar on his way, sorry to have nothing to give him.

Don Ramiro arrives, disguised as his valet Dandini. He has heard that this house shelters a bride worthy of him. Cenerentola and he fall in love. He asks her who she is. She gives a confused accounting, not knowing how to explain. Called away by the sisters, she leaves.

Dandini, impersonating the prince, arrives with a suite of courtiers. He has been ordered to marry or be disinherited and is inviting all young ladies to the palace. He leads Clorinda and Tisbe to a carriage. Meanwhile, Cenerentola begs Don Magnifico to allow her to go as well, but he will have none of it. The prince’s tutor, Alidoro, comes in with a list of eligible young ladies and asks to see the third sister. Don Magnifico states that she has died. The sad Angelina is left alone.

Alidoro, now dressed in beggar’s attire, offers to take the girl to the palace fête. She thanks him for his fatherly concern, asking him not to tease her. He leads her off to his carriage.

At Don Ramiro’s estate, Dandini sends Don Magnifico to the wine cellar and entertains Clorinda and Tisbe. As Don Magnifico samples the barrels, his daughters insult each other as they attempt to attract the prince. Dandini tells them he can marry only one. He suggests that the other marry his valet. They are outraged, much to the amusement of the men. Alidoro arrives with a veiled lady. Angelina’s family, while noting her resemblance to Cenerentola, refuse to believe it is she.

Act II.

In a room of the palace, Don Magnifico reveals to Clorinda and Tisbe that he has plundered Cenerentola’s inheritance to support them. He asks them, whichever the prince marries, not to forget him.

With Don Ramiro within earshot, Dandini, as the prince, courts Angelina. She rejects him, saying she loves his valet. Don Ramiro joyfully seeks her hand in marriage. Angelina tells him he must find out who she is before she can agree. As she leaves, she gives him one of a pair of bracelets. Don Ramiro pledges to find her.

Don Ramiro tells Dandini he need no longer play prince. The delighted Alidoro reveals one further plan: He will cause the prince’s carriage to break down outside Don Magnifico’s house.

Dandini tells Don Magnifico that he has been masquerading. The real prince has now returned. He sends Don Magnifico away.

At home, in her rags, Cenerentola awaits the return of her family and is surprised when they come home demanding dinner. Shortly thereafter, Dandini arrives, announcing that the prince’s carriage has overturned outside. Don Magnifico, introduced to Don Ramiro, calls for Cenerentola to fetch a chair for the prince. She takes it to Dandini, and is chastised. She is stunned to learn that the man she loves is the prince. Don Magnifico, Clorinda, and Tisbe, not believing that Don Ramiro could want to marry Cenerentola, continue to insult her. Alidoro suggests to the sisters that they’d better get over it and ask her forgiveness, or they will most likely find themselves homeless.

Back at the palace, Angelina and Don Ramiro celebrate their marriage. Don Magnifico and his daughters throw themselves on her mercy. As Don Ramiro rebuffs them, she intercedes, saying her good fortune has erased all the wrongs done her. She wants Don Magnifico to call her daughter and hopes Clorinda and Tisbe will find in her a sister and friend. All praise her greatness.

By Lucie Spieler
© 2008 Florida Grand Opera; all rights reserved.