Opera in Williamsburg is bringing a classic fairy tale to life with its upcoming production of La Cenerentola – more commonly known as Cinderella – and Williamsburg Art Gallery is giving fans the opportunity to meet the cast ahead of the show.
From 5:30 to 8 p.m. March 30, visitors at the Gallery will be treated to a curtain-raiser that will feature a preview of the show as the cast performs operatic arias and mingles with the crowd. Refreshments will also be served.
La Cenerentola opens April 8 and will be reprised April 10 for an afternoon matinee. The operatic adaptation of the Cinderella story, written and composed by Gioachino Rossini, follows an older Italian version of the famous fairy tale.
Though most people are familiar with the plot of Cinderella as presented in the well-known Disney movie, this version adds an additional wrinkle as the prince pretends to be his own servant, who the unsuspecting heroine prefers to the prince himself.
The story may be slightly different, but the audience can rest assured the happy ending is still the same, as are the hilariously wicked stepsisters.
Led by Jonathan Blalock as Prince Ramiro and Maya Yahav Gour as Angelina, this production includes a robust cast of Opera in Williamsburg veterans. Maestro Jorge Parodi and Isabel Milenski lead the production as the conductor and director, respectively.
The opera will be presented in the original Italian with English supertitles.
In addition to the free curtain-raiser, opera lovers will have another opportunity to preview the show on April 3 at a dinner concert at Colonial Heritage Clubhouse Ballroom. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with a set menu dinner being served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets to the dinner concert are $45 per person, or $20 for just the concert portion of the evening. They must be reserved by March 27 and can be purchased here or by calling 757-871-3653.
On April 7, Opera in Williamsburg’s creative team will also be giving a free talk about the show at the Muscarelle Museum at 6 p.m.
The opera itself will take place at the Kimball Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday, April 8 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10.
General seating is $45 and discounted $40 tickets are available to seniors, military, police, firefighters, teachers and William & Mary faculty and staff. Student tickets are $15. Click here to purchase tickets.
The show’s dress rehearsal on April 6 is open to grade school children for free. Contact Carolyn.Campbell@OperainWilliamsburg.org for details.
