Hongni Wu will play Cinderella. Submitted photo
Opera Maine presents its 29th season mainstage production of “Cinderella (La Cenerentola)” by Gioachino Rossini at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. The story of the opera, written by librettist Jacopo Ferretti, tells the familiar and beloved tale of Cinderella, but it is not the Disney version with a pumpkin carriage or glass slippers. It is filled with hijinks and fun, and brilliant music.
“Whether you’re 9 or 90 years old you’re going to laugh at the comedic shenanigans of these wonderful singers,” said Opera Maine Artistic Director, Dona D. Vaughn. “This is an enchanting and entertaining opera.”
“Cinderella” will be performed in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. It will be 2.5 hours long and will have one intermission.
Maestro Israel Gursky conducts the Opera Maine Orchestra in his sixth appearance with the company. Dona D. Vaughn, Opera Maine’s Artistic Director, directs a superb cast headed by Hongni Wu (Angelina, also known as Cinderella), Jack Swanson (Don Ramiro, the prince), Patrick Carfizzi (Don Magnifico, the evil stepfather), Robert Mellon (Dandini, the disguised valet), and Katherine Henly and Rachel Barg as the nasty stepsisters Clorinda and Tisbe. William Guanbo Su plays Alidoro, the philosopher who takes the place of the fairy godmother.
Tickets are $35-$140 (plus service fees) and are available by phone at 207-842-0800 or online at porttix.com. Opera Maine will continue its “Opera for All!” program this season with free tickets for anyone aged 25 and younger to attend Cinderella. Visit operamaine.org to reserve your free ticket.
A pre-curtain presentation will be given one-hour before performances by Calien Lewis.
Opera Maine is widely respected for its superb operatic productions, programming, and meaningful community engagement. For more information about Opera Maine’s programs, visit OperaMaine.org and follow Opera Maine on Facebook and Instagram.
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