Opera Columbus offers updated take on family-friendly 'Cinderella' tale
Have you ever been to an opera?
If the answer is “no,” don’t sweat it. If you check out Opera Columbus’ season-opening production of “La Cenerentola” on Friday and Sunday in the Southern Theatre, you’re likely to be far from the only newbie in attendance.
The 1817 opera by Italian master Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868) essentially tells the story of Cinderella. Although she is known in this version as Angelina, the character will be familiar to anyone familiar with the folk tale and the innumerable movies and ballets it has inspired: In the opera, Angelina (played by mezzo-soprano Sofia Selowsky) is a young woman whose unhappy existence with her stepfather and stepsisters ends when she finds an ideal mate in the form of a prince.
“La Cenerentola,” then, is a rare Opera Columbus production aimed at young people — and for most who attend, it will likely be the first opera they’ve ever experienced.
More:Actors' Theatre announces a special fall show, plus its 2023 summer schedule
“We wanted to really honor the storyline of the production but also make it relevant to younger audiences,” said General Director and CEO Julia Noulin-Merat, who updated the timeline from the 1800s to the 1950s. In this version, the setting is no longer Europe but Newport, Rhode Island.
“Instead of a carriage or a horse, our prince is actually riding a red Vespa,” she said.For kids and their families taking in an opera for the first time, The Dispatch asked Noulin-Merat to provide some practical advice on what to expect. Of course, the suggestions don’t apply only to youngsters but to all opera novices.
“We really want to nurture that appetite for opera (and) to really realize it’s not as scary as we think it is,” Noulin-Merat said.
When and where will 'La Cenerentola' be performed?
The opera will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St., Downtown.
How much are tickets?
Tickets range from $28 to $109.
What are the recommended ages to attend?
Opera Columbus intends the Friday evening performance for children 12 and older; those 6 and older are suggested for the Sunday matinee.
Is there a dress code?
“There’s no dress code — we’re very proud of that,” Noulin-Merat said. However, for those who feel inspired to don their regal best, a Family Costume Contest will take place during the Sunday matinee.
“By attending the production, (audience members) will be given numbers when they come in,” said Noulin-Merat, and those wearing particularly eye-popping costumes will be identified. “It’s really open to everyone,” she said. Winners will be judged in the categories of Throne-Worthy Threads (for individuals wearing costumes) and Best Family Costume (for groups wearing costumes).
But don’t feel obligated to dress up at all.
“You can come in jeans, you can come in PJs,” Noulin-Merat said. “What we want for you is to experience art, and that’s the most important.”
More:Columbus Children's Theatre announces 60th season lineup featuring four musicals
Will there be English surtitles?
Surtitles — an English-language translation of the Italian words being sung — will be easily visible on two screens, one on either side of the stage of the Southern Theatre. While keeping an eye on the screens, “you’re not losing any of the action,” Noulin-Merat said.
How long is the opera?
The running time is about 2 hours and 20 minutes. There is one intermission.
When should I applaud the performers?
“In general, in opera, people just applaud whenever they’re in awe and they’re excited,” Noulin-Merat said. “The curtain will come down between scenes, and I have found a lot of people do it then.”
Are there other kid-friendly events before the opera?
Absolutely! “We’re not just presenting the show but we’re creating some family experiences,” Noulin-Merat said. Ahead of the Sunday matinee, ticket-buyers and their children 12 and younger can attend a Royal Tea Party at 2 p.m. in the adjoining Westin Great Southern Hotel, featuring crown decorating, games and a Cinderella storytime read by a princess.
Are there adult-oriented events as well?
A bourbon bar will be open during the Friday performance. Also, on Friday for attendees 18 and older, a tournament will judge the Most Festive and Fabulous Royal among those who have decided to wear a tiara to the show.
At a glance
Opera Columbus will perform “La Cenerentola” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets cost $28 to $108. For more information, visit www.operacolumbus.org.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Opera Columbus to perform Rossini's 'La Cenerentola' Friday and Sunday
