Rossini's fairytale romcom sparkles in a colorful Laurent Pelly staging, conducted by Roberto Abbado
(Los Angeles) November 1, 2021 — Just in time for the holidays, LA Opera presents Gioachino Rossini's fairytale romance Cinderella (La Cenerentola) from November 20 through December 12 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. This delightfully entertaining spin on the ultimate rags-to-riches tale finds our spunky heroine (no damsel in distress here) seizing the opportunity to nab the most eligible bachelor in the land and outwit her social-climbing family in the process.
"Following the heightened passion, tragic drama and epic sweep of the season's first two operas, Il Trovatore and Tannhäuser, it's now time for something lighter and brighter," said Christopher Koelsch, LA Opera's president and CEO. "Rossini's Cinderella fills the bill perfectly. It's fleet, funny, romantic and heartwarming, all at once. It's also a showcase for spectacular singing, and we've assembled the perfect cast and creative team to bring this masterpiece to life."
In addition to the in-person performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, LA Opera will livestream two performances (November 28 and December 1) for viewers worldwide to access from the comfort of their homes via the company's On Now digital platform.
For those who attend in person, LA Opera's new vaccination policy, along with a new, state-of-the-art air filtration system and enhanced cleaning protocols, will ensure the best and safest possible experience for audiences, artists and staff, the company's top priority. (See below for more information.)
Meet the CastThe cast is led by two artists making company debuts as the romantic leads: Italian mezzo-soprano Serena Malfi as Angelina (Cinderella) and South African tenor Levy Sekgapane as Don Ramiro, her prince charming.
A trio of company favorites return in leading roles: Russian baritone Rodion Pogossov as the prince's comical valet Dandini; Italian baritone Alessandro Corbelli as Don Magnifico, the stepfather who tries to foil Cinderella's happy ending; and Italian bass Ildebrando D'Arcangelo as Alidoro, Cinderella's mysterious benefactor.
Cinderella's nasty stepsisters, Clorinda and Tisbe, are performed by American soprano Erica Petrocelli and Mexican mezzo-soprano Gabriela Flores, who are respectively an alumna and a current member of LA Opera's Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program.
The Creative TeamThe production unites two true masters of their craft operating at the peak of their interpretive powers: Italian conductor Roberto Abbado and French director Laurent Pelly, both of whom are making their company debuts. Mr. Pelly also designed the whimsical costumes for the production, working in collaboration with Jean-Jacques Delmotte. French designer Chantal Thomas designed the fantasy-filled scenery. Duane Schuler is the lighting designer and Grant Gershon is the chorus director.
Click here to download production photos and artist headshots.
Performance Dates and TimesThere will be six performances of Cinderella at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, located at 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012:
- Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 7:30pm
- Sunday, November 28, 2021, at 2pm*
- Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 7:30pm*
- Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 7:30pm
- Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 7:30pm
- Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2pm
* performance will be livestreamed
TicketsTickets for Cinderella at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion begin at $15 and are on sale now. Vaccination is required for entrance; please see additional information below. Digital tickets to watch the livestreamed performances of Cinderella on either November 28 at 2pm or December 1 at 7:30pm can be purchased for $30.
Tickets can be purchased online at LAOpera.org, by phone at 213.972.8001, or in person at the LA Opera box office at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012). For disability access, call 213.972.0777 or email LAOpera@LAOpera.org.
More information is available at LAOpera.org/Cinderella.
Vaccination PolicyIn order to be considered fully vaccinated, patrons must confirm that either 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose of FDA or WHO authorized double-dose vaccines or that 14 days have passed since receiving the sole dose of FDA or WHO authorized single-dose vaccines. Audience members may display proof of vaccine on a smartphone or by showing a physical copy of their vaccination card or official vaccination record, along with a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Guests younger than 18 may present a school photo ID. Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult who meets the listed requirements.
Children under 12 and those who are unvaccinated due to a medical or religious reason must provide proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to attending, along with government issued ID. Rapid or antigen tests will not be accepted.
Masks will be required at all times for all patrons and visitors regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces at LA Opera, except while eating and drinking in designated areas.
About LA OperaLos Angeles is a city of enormous diversity and creativity, and LA Opera is dedicated to reflecting that vibrancy by redefining what opera can be, with thrilling performances, thought-provoking productions and innovative programming that preserves foundational works while making them feel fresh and compelling. The communal and curative power of opera is needed now more than ever before, given the extraordinary challenges of the time.
As LA Opera returns to the stage with world-class productions in theaters, the company continues to offer a wide range of digital content via its LA Opera On Now platform, which has accumulated more than 920,000 views since launching in the spring of 2020. The company is grateful to its supporters for helping to ensure that it has the resources needed to get through this unprecedented period. Those wanting to support LA Opera can visit LAOpera.org/donate.
LA OPERA MEDIA CONTACT
Luz VillarrealDirector of Communications lvillarreal@laopera.org 213.972.7554
Production made possible with generous support from GRoW @ Annenberg; Barbara Augusta Teichert; and The Seaver Endowment.With special appreciation to Gregory and Regina Annenberg Weingarten.
LA Opera is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the greater Los Angeles community.
