The Retelling Of Cinderella In Atlanta Opera’s Rendition Of ‘La Cenerentola’
“La Cenerentola” is a retelling of Cinderella by Gioachino Rossini.
Brett Croomer
The Atlanta Opera opens its 40th season with “La Cenerentola,” Gioachino Rossini’s retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale.
Even though the central narrative is similar, the production is much more complex. Lois Reitzes spoke with Argentinean tenor Santiago Ballerini, who plays Prince Don Ramiro. He was joined by baritone Thomas “Tommy” Glass, who portrays Dandini.
“Around the world, there are 300 stories about Cinderella, it’s not just one story. Here in the United States, you have the Walt Disney story with the crystal shoe, but that’s not the story. In this version, Cinderella is treated badly by her stepsisters and stepfather, rather than her stepmother,” Ballerini said.
Glass continued to explain the differences between the two fairy tale versions.
“Instead of a fairy godmother, there is the wise magic man, Alidoro. He is the mysterious character who appears in the scene and inspires change in Angelina (the Cinderella-like character),” he said. “My character, Dandini, is not in any other story besides Rossini’s version. He is the prince’s valet, who dresses up as the prince so that he can make sure that his bride-to-be loves him for him, not just for his title.”
This will be performed at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from Nov. 2 to Nov. 10.
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