Attended the performanace of Gioacchino Rossini’s production of La Cenerentola (Cinderella) this evening at the Opera. It’s almost a comedic version with much flair and ingenuity. Instead of the wicked stepmother (thanks for giving us a break), there is a wicked stepfather, Don Magnifico with his cruel daughters Tisbe and Clorinda. And of course, his sweet stepdaughter, Angelina (Cinderella) that he keeps in harsh servitude. Prince Ramiro exchanges places with his tutor/valet and through the complex storyline falls in love with the lowly Cinderella right there in her basement, broom in hand. Instead of a glass slipper, there is a bracelet that unites the couple.

I learned that Rossini wrote his first opera at 14 years old and went on to write 38 more in the next 19 years and had a following of adoring public that today would be reserved for rock stars. Rossini composed La Cenerentola over a three-week period in January 1817 and also wrote the operas William Tell and The Barber of Seville before retiring at age 37. Really enjoyable evening.