Last performed in 2003
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Synopsis
Late Eighteenth Century
Rossini's La Cenerentola places Cinderella in the household of a greedy stepfather, Don Magnifico, and two pretentious half-sisters, Clorinda and Tisbe. Here she is treated as nothing more than a servant.
In order to help his master, Prince Ramiro, find a suitable wife, the Prince's tutor, Alidoro, disguises himself as a beggar and seeks aid at Magnifico's house. Thinking the poor man beneath them, the sisters treat Alidoro miserably, but the kindhearted Cinderella gives him food and drink. Alidoro thanks her and returns to the palace to inform Ramiro that he has found the Prince a bride.
Soon after Alidoro departs the Magnifico house, courtiers from the palace arrive with an invitation to the Prince's grand ball. In a flurry of activity, the sisters prepare to vie for the Prince's affection—and assets. They are waited on by Cinderella, who longs to attend the ball herself.
Meanwhile, having exchanged identities with his valet Dandini, Prince Ramiro arrives at Don Magnifico's. Ramiro "the valet" is smitten with the beautiful and gracious servant and revolted by the fawning advances of the sisters to Dandini "the Prince."
Aided by Alidoro, Cinderella does attend the ball, where she is wooed by Dandini acting as the Prince. Instead of being swayed by riches and realm, Cinderella confesses her love for the lowly "valet"—Ramiro. At this, Ramiro announces his love for Cinderella and asks for her hand in marriage. Cinderella denies his request but gives him hope in the form of one of a pair of bracelets. She tells him that he must search for the matching bracelet in order to win her. Cinderella leaves the ball, and Prince Ramiro—now as himself—follows soon after.
A vicious storm forces the Prince to take shelter at the Magnifico's house where Cinderella is again hard at work. Seeing the matching bracelet on Cinderella's arm, Prince Ramiro claims Cinderella as his own. At the wedding celebration, Cinderella proves that she is worthy of her new position by graciously forgiving Don Magnifico and his daughters. Each one present sings the praises of Cinderella, and . . . they all live happily ever after.