Listen up, Louisville; the clock is about to strike midnight and this year’s opera season is almost over! Gas up the pumpkin and head to your nearest Cinemark Theater tomorrow for
La Cenerentola
, Rossini’s classic opera as performed by the Metropolitan Opera.
Closing out the Met’s 2013/14 broadcast series is this effervescent interpretation of the classic tale that traces its origins all the way back to the
1630s
. You already know the story (hat tip, Brothers Grimm) and Rossini’s version is effectively the same save a few, simple swaps. In the opera, the wicked stepmother is changed for a wicked stepfather in Don
Magnifico
, the Fairy Godmother is replaced by
Alidoro
who is a philosopher and tutor to the Prince and Cinderella is identified not by her glass slipper but her bracelet. Beyond that, it’s the usual damsel in distress hijinks...but with singing! (Sorry, Disney. Rossini did it first.)
Odds are, you probably already love Rossini and you don’t even realize it but just in case you’re new to Opera
buffa
, try this glass slipper on for size. (Fair warning, do not listen to Rossini overtures while driving. You will speed and you will get pulled over.)
In any event,
La Cenerentola
is great for opera veterans and newbies, alike. The performance will be led by Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi and features Joyce DiDonato in the title role with Juan Diego Flórez as Prince Charming. Be sure to catch this final Met broadcast of the season tomorrow afternoon (May 10th) at 12:55 pm at any Cinemark Theater. There will also be an encore presentation Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased online here.
(Photo courtesy of www.metoperafamily.org.)
Follow Michael on Twitter: @rackoflambert.
