Cinderella: Opera Lyra’s adaptation captures the magic of Rossini’s Cenerentola

Well-known and admired by young and old, the fairy tale of Cinderella came alive once more on the stage in a production by Ottawa’s Opera Lyra, this time in an abridged and somewhat altered version, to fit a 40 minute show for the younger generation. In this production, the story revolves around a poor and overworked young girl who is despised and greatly abused by her two stepsisters. While working hard all day long, worn-out and shabby, Cinderella never gives up hope of a better life. She sings a beautiful song about a love between a king and a common girl, little knowing that the dream from the song, however improbable, will come true for her. Despite her ragged attire, it is obvious that Cinderella is beautiful, mostly due to the fact that most of her beauty comes from the inside.

Ann Hodges adapted the story masterfully. She abridged it so that it enchants the young audience (some of who were as young as three), fits it to a small stage and introduces the children to opera in a fun and imaginative way. Of course, the story is told in a different way, without many details from the original. Still, Hodges kept the essence, never missing an important point.

The audience enjoyed it thoroughly and participated willingly. Thanks to the magic words “One, Two, Three, Rossini,” they learned about a great composer, which could be their first step towards discovering a delightful world of opera. Everything in those 40 minutes added to the magic on the stage. The set was lively and very functional, so that transitions between acts were flawless; direction was superb, music enthralling and the singers, young members of the Opera Lyra Studio, were up to the challenge. They managed to give highly artistic performance in an entertaining, fun and engaging way, never making it condescending to the children. The characters came to life from the very beginning. Not only singing, but the acting was also superb. David Lafleur’s prince was confused, but clearly in love, Armine Kassabian’s Cinderella had all the traits of innate kindness, Brian Wehrle’s Alidoro and Courtier were naturally funny. Finally, Ellen Wieser’s potreyal of Clorinda/Tisbe was so conversing that it is really hard to decide whether she is better as a singer or as an actress.

The show (adaptation of Rossini opera La Cenerentola) is performed in English and, after the premiere in the Art Court (November 3, 4 and 9), it will be presented in schools in the Ottawa region.

Production: Opera Lyra

By: Giaochino Rossini

English adaptation by Ann Hodges

Music Director/Accompanist – Judith Ginsburg-

Set and Costume Design – Drew Facey

Cast:

Cenerentola: Armine kassabian (Mezzo-Soprano)

Clorinda/Tisbe: Ellen Wieser (Soprano)

Don Ramiro: David Lafleur (Tenor)

Alidoro: Brian Wehrle (Bass)