University Opera presents a new, updated production of La Cenerentola
After 65 years of performances at historic Music Hall on the UW–Madison campus, University Opera begins a new chapter in residence at the Wisconsin Union Theater. From November 6-10, the national award-winning program will present Gioachino Rossini and Jacopo Ferretti’s La Cenerentola.
Directed by Karen K. Bishop Director of Opera, David Ronis, and conducted by Director of Orchestral Activities Oriol Sans, the production will feature student performers from the School of Music, accompanied by the University Symphony Orchestra.
La Cenerentola, Rossini’s operatic version of the Cinderella story, is as hilarious as it is beautiful and enchanting. It features a sublime score filled with memorable tunes and requires a cast capable of bravura singing and comedic acting.
“Although the essential storyline aligns with the classic folktale, the opera differs a bit from the Disney version that we all know and love,” Ronis said. “Instead of a stepmother, we have Don Magnifico, Cenerentola’s stepfather. Instead of a fairy godmother who magically facilitates Cinderella’s journey to the ball, we have Alidoro, the Prince’s teacher, and mentor and the evening’s philosopher. The Prince’s valet, Dandini, also figures largely in the plot when he and the Prince trade clothes to extremely comic effect. Finally, instead of Cenerentola losing a slipper on the steps of the palace, before she leaves the ball, she gives the Prince one of two identical bracelets and instructs him to find her.”
The UW–Madison production transports the story to Southern California in the early 1960s. In the University Opera reading, the Prince (Ramiro) becomes a rock ‘n’ roll star with an entourage and a lavish home in Malibu – think Paul McCartney; Alidoro, at first in disguise as a “beggar,” might look like a refugee from Gilligan’s Island; and the stepsisters sport over-the-top bouffant hairdos as if they stepped right out of Hairspray.
This family-friendly production, full of broad humor and virtuosic singing, will involve over 70 UW–Madison students–singers, instrumentalists, technicians, and stage crew–spanning a wide age range, from first year undergrads to doctoral students.
The title role will be performed by Evgeniya Khomutova. The role of Prince Ramiro will be split between Ben Bian and Jacob Zehr. Likewise, Michael Kelley and Christian Bearse will split performances of Dandini. Jackson Ahern will portray Don Magnifico. As his bratty daughters, Amelia Eichmeier will be Tisbe while Danielle Bullock and Hannah Malnaa will split performances of Clorinda. Rounding out the cast, Eric Hanna will take the role of Alidoro. Besides Sans, the musical team will consist of UW–Madison faculty vocal coach Thomas Kasdorf (musical preparation), and doctoral students Alessio Tranchell (choral preparation), Frankie Bones (rehearsal and continuo keyboard), and Javier Gorelik (assistant conductor).
The production will be designed by Em Allen with lighting by Jove Stueber, costumes by Kenneth Hoversten and Emily Popp, wigs and hair by Jan Ross, and props by Zak Wolff. Erek Weis will be the technical director, and the production stage manager will be Alissa Berman. Others on the production staff include Ruby Dudasik, assistant director and dramaturg; Scott Shapiro, head carpenter; Jackson Ahern and Christian Bearse, operations managers for University Opera; and assistant stage managers Meghan Stecker and Carina Carlson.
Ticket prices range from $10-35 and are available in advance through the Campus Arts Ticketing office at (608) 265-ARTS and online. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office Monday through Friday, 11:30 am-5:30 pm and Saturdays, 12-5 pm. Tickets may also be purchased at the door beginning one hour before the performance.