GIOACHINO ROSSINI
Cinderella (1817)
(La cenerentola)                                                                     
Libretto by Jacopo Ferretti, after Cendrillon by Charles Perrault
Production from Houston Grand Opera 
 
"Imaginative, fast-paced, irresistibly funny… a show that will entrance the whole family"--The Seattle Times
 
Rossini's popular retelling of Charles Perrault's beloved Cinderella story adds a few fabulous twists to the traditional fairy tale, a perfect springtime treat for the entire family. In this bright and whimsical production by Spanish director Joan Font and his performance troupe Els Comediants, a kindhearted girl named Angelina dreams of one day escaping her impoverished stepfather's castle. When the prince announces he'll choose his bride at a glamorous ball, she seizes the opportunity to escape the tyranny of her vain stepsisters and take control of her own destiny. 
 
Audiences of all ages will delight in this clever romantic comedy featuring bracelets instead of glass slippers, a philosophical tutor in place of a fairy godmother, and six adorable dancing rats that serve as a makeshift Greek chorus. Considered one of his finest vocal works, Rossini's opera glows with captivating bel canto singing and ornate ensemble passages performed by a thrilling cast of young talents, including American mezzo-soprano and 2013 Richard Tucker Award winner Isabel Leonard alternating in the title role with celebrated Irish mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught in her U.S. debut. 

Gifted conductor Speranza Scappucci makes her WNO debut leading the orchestra in a "marvelously perfect show" (Los Angeles Daily News) that has enchanted audiences from Seattle to Toronto to Barcelona with its witty characterizations, rainbow-bright costumes, and rags-to-riches ending that celebrates the power of love and forgiveness.

Angelina (Cenerentola): Isabel Leonard* (May 9, 13, 16, 19, 21) / Tara Erraught* (May 11, 15, 17m)          
Don Ramiro: Maxim Mironov* (May 9, 13, 16, 19, 21) / David Portillo* (May 11, 15, 17m)
Dandini: Simone Alberghini
Don Magnifico: Paolo Bordogna* (May 9, 11, 13, 16, 19, 21) / Valeriano Lanchas^ (May 15, 17m)
Alidoro: Shenyang*
Tisbe: Deborah Nansteel** 
Clorinda: Jacqueline Echols**  
Conductor: Speranza Scappucci*
Director: Joan Font*
Set and Costume Designer: Joan Guillén*                                                 
Lighting Designer: Albert Faura*
Choreographer: Xevi Dorca*
 
* WNO debut
** Current Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist
^ Former Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist

In Italian with projected English titles. Titles may not be visible from the rear of the orchestra.

Performance Timing: Act I - 95 min.; Intermission - 20 min.; Act II - 58 min.

Washington National Opera:Cinderella
Saturday, May 09, 2015 - Thursday, May 21, 2015

Rossini's retelling of the Cinderella story adds a few twists in a whimsical production featuring two mezzo-sopranos alternating in the title role: Isabel Leonard, the 2013 Richard Tucker Award winner, and Tara Erraught, making her U.S. debut.

• Opera House
• Approx. 3 hours
• $25.00 - $300.00

Tickets on sale now

Tickets went on sale Monday, January 26, 2015 to Kennedy Center Members
Not a Member? Join today to receive priority purchasing and other benefits!
Tickets went on sale Wednesday, February 04, 2015 to the public.
Call Kennedy Center Information or check online regularly for last minute availability.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~COME EARLY FOR FREE OPERA INSIGHTS
Musicologist Saul Lilienstein leads the Thursday, May 21 Opera Insight, starting 1 hour and 15 minutes before the performance and lasting 35–40 minutes. All other Opera Insights start 1 hour before the performance and last 20–25 minutes. Informative and entertaining, Opera Insights take you inside the composer's mind, behind the scenes of planning a production, and into the history and social context of each opera. 
These lectures are free, but patrons must present a ticket from any performance of Cinderella.
STAY AFTER FOR A FREE ARTIST Q&A
Following these performances:
Monday evening, May 11
Sunday matinee, May 17Join WNO artists for a unique opportunity to ask questions about the production. 
All discussions begin immediately after the performance and are free with your ticket.
http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/OPOSD
www.kennedy-center.org