Seattle Opera: Cinderella
$35 and up
Gioachino Rossini – Cinderella
Rossini’s flowery adaptation of the ultimate rags-to-riches story mixes tenderness and frivolity with fabulous results. From its first class overture to its high-flying “happily ever after” finale, the comedic love story delivers delights by the dozen. Toe-tapping tunes, bright ensembles, colorful characters, and ridiculous situations make this valentine to kindness sparkle with an enchantment all its own.
Inspired by Charles Dickens and the cheeky “panto” shows enjoyed in English music halls, director Lindy Hume sets the fairy tale in and around a Victorian emporium. With costumes and dances reminiscent of Mary Poppins, multi-level sets, and a dash of stage magic, Hume shines a light on the gleaming potential for goodness in a dark world.
Wondering if this opera appropriate for your children? Children tend to find Cinderella’s music and humor appealing, and they may enjoy noticing the differences between this opera and other Cinderella stories they may know. Many parents appreciate this opera for its moral lessons: the "good" characters are rewarded for their kindness, intelligence, and strength, while the "bad" characters are punished (mostly by laughter) for superficiality, greed, and self-importance. The three-hour running time may be a challenge for very young children.
In Italian with English Subtitles | at McCaw Hall
Performance Time: 2 hours and 55 minutes including 1 intermission
Movie-style rating: G