BARRE – Opera Vermont performs Gioachino Rossini’s “La Cenerentola,” Saturday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. This take on the Cinderella story has been designed for opera aficionados, as well as families and first-time opera-goers.
Opera Vermont Artistic Director Joshua Collier sets the production of “La Cenerentola” in a bright, “Seussian-esque” universe of bold color, playful shapes and crazy costumes that amplifies the opera’s wit and comedy.
“There is a concern today that opera is only for adults, and must be tragic and serious in order to be honest to the art form,” Collier often says. “But the truth is that we must have the young people get involved to show them first-hand the value of the art form.”
The production leans into physical comedy, clear storytelling and vibrant stage pictures so that there is no comprehension barrier for younger audiences. There will be supertitles for the Saturday evening, orchestral performance, for those who prefer to understand every word of the performance.
For the production, a group of youngsters will be selected at random to sit on stage during the performance, right alongside the artists and participate in the action of the theater.
A 50-minute school matinee of “La Cenerentola” will be offered on Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m., to local schools, homeschoolers and seniors.
Tickets for “La Cenerentola: may be ordered online at barreoperahouse.org or call the Barre Opera House at (802) 476-8188. The Opera House, at 6 North Main Street in Barre, is handicapped accessible and equipped for the hearing impaired.
