Toledo Opera is set to unveil a captivating spectacle as they present Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola) for the first time in their history. The performance will take place at the renowned Valentine Theatre, located at 400 North Superior, Toledo, Ohio, on Friday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, October 8, at 2 p.m.
This landmark production is set to be a true highlight, boasting a stellar cast and a world-class creative team. Additionally, Toledo Opera will treat its patrons to a free Pre-Opera Talk, held one hour before each performance in the Grand Lobby of the Valentine Theatre. Local scholars will offer invaluable historical context and insight, with the opportunity for audience questions.
Rossini’s comedic opera Cinderella, first premiered in 1817 at the Teatro Valle in Rome, Italy, is celebrated for its exceptional solo vocal performances and ensemble pieces. Over the nineteenth century, it even eclipsed Rossini’s earlier masterpiece, The Barber of Seville. Based on the beloved children’s tale, the story follows Angelina (Cinderella) as she labors away while her comically inept stepsisters vie for the heart of the eligible Prince Ramiro. Through a twist of fate, Angelina crosses paths with Prince Ramiro, and her goodness captivates him. Amidst household chaos, family squabbles, and mistaken identities, Angelina’s sincerity leads to a heartwarming and uproarious conclusion. Rossini’s delightful take on the classic Cinderella story promises to enchant audiences of all ages in this family-friendly opera.
The cast includes the exceptional mezzo-soprano Sarah Coit as Angelina, tenor David Walton as Prince Ramiro, and Bowling Green State University voice professor Keith Phares as Count Dandini. Guiding the orchestra through Rossini’s sparkling score is conductor Michelle Rofrano, while director Marc Verzatt breathes life into this enchanting tale. The opera will be performed in Italian with English supertitles.
Sarah Coit, a rising star on both operatic and concert stages, makes her Toledo Opera debut as Angelina. Praised for her “burnished mezzo-soprano” and her talent for physical comedy, Coit has already enjoyed a national career as an acclaimed mezzo-soprano. Joining her is tenor David Walton, renowned for his “clean, clear voice” and captivating stage presence.
The ensemble of leading performers also includes Grammy award-winning baritone Adelmo Guidarelli as Angelina’s evil stepfather, Don Magnifico; baritone Keith Phares as Count Dandini; and baritone Jason Budd as Alidoro. These artists bring their international musical prowess to the stage, with past performances at prestigious venues worldwide.
Completing this stellar ensemble are soprano and Toledo Opera Resident Artist Sara Mortensen (Clorinda) and mezzo-soprano and Toledo Opera Resident Artist Imara Miles (Tisbe).
Toledo Opera’s Executive Director Suzanne Rorick expressed her excitement, stating, “We are pleased to begin our new opera season with this charming story so beloved by many and yet, rarely performed as an opera. I believe our audiences will see Cinderella in a new light in this Rossini version. We can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
Mark your calendars for the unforgettable performances of Cinderella on Friday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 8 at 2 p.m. at the Valentine Theatre. To discover more about the Cinderella cast and production team and secure your tickets, please visit toledoopera.org.
The production is made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Key Bank Trustee Walter E. Terhune Memorial Fund. Don’t miss this extraordinary operatic experience!
Check out these Community Events!
Toledo Opera has partnered with Toledo Lucas County Public Library and media partner WGTE Public Media to present a full day of free events in anticipation of Toledo Opera’s upcoming production of Cinderella on Thursday, September 21 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Sylvania Branch Library located at 6749 Monroe Street, Sylvania, OH 43560.
Events will include live performances by the cast of Cinderella, on-air radio interviews with Cinderella creatives and Toledo community members, storytime, and much more.
This event is free and open to the public. To listen, tune into 91.3 or stream live at wgte.org and on the WGTE mobile app.
Schedule of Events
9:00 a.m. – Live interview with Toledo Opera staff and Cinderella creatives
11:00 a.m. – Reading with cast of Cinderella
2:00 p.m. – Live performances by the cast of Cinderella
2:30 p.m. – Live interviews with Cinderella cast and creatives
4:00 p.m. – Screening of Toledo Opera’s 2020 OOW production of Cinderella
Toledo Opera is has joined forces with Ohio Living Swan Creek to hold a RoyalTea in celebration of Cinderella! This inter-generational tea party will feature delicious food, crafts, prizes, a meet-and-greet with Cinderella & her Prince, and so much more! The RoyalTea will be held at Ohio Living Swan Creek on Saturday, September 23rd at 10 AM. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets now! Visit toledoopera.org today!
Join the Toledo Opera on Tuesday, September 26th at Toledo Spirits Company for an exclusive preview of Cinderella and the chance to win a special date night package!
Don’t forget to register and submit your coloring pages for our Cinderella Coloring Contest! This contest is open to all ages and features 3 age divisions! The deadline to submit is September 22! Learn more at https://www.toledoopera.org/beyond-the-stage/cinderella-coloring-contest/https://www.toledoopera.org/beyond-the-stage/cinderella-coloring-contest/
Shana Was Here 