| · Delectably inviting music: French composer Jules Massenet’s Cendrillon is equal parts witty and romantic. From the stepsisters’ funny outbursts, to the soaring melodic lines of Cinderella and Prince Charming’s duet, Massenet has crafted the perfect music to match a delightful fairytale.
· Family-friendly fun: Children and adults alike will love this familiar story and will marvel at the beautiful singing and charming visuals.
· A whimsical and inventive production: “I am thrilled to introduce this enchanting and magical piece to Lyric audiences for the first time,” says Lyric general director Anthony Freud. “Laurent Pelly’s production is endlessly witty and alluring, and Sir Andrew Davis, a distinguished interpreter of Massenet, will bring this beautifully romantic score to irresistible life.”
· Enchanting performances are in store: Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg makes her American debut as the titular Cinderella, English mezzo-soprano Alice Coote plays the energetic and passionate prince, and Quebecoise soprano Marie-Eve Munger (Lyric debut) sings stratospherically high notes as the fairy godmother. Cinderella’s tenderhearted father Pandolfe is sung by Australian bass-baritone Derek Welton (Lyric debut). American mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop (Lyric debut) plays the imperious stepmother, while Ryan Opera Center singers Emily Pogorelc and Kayleigh Decker play the absurdly funny stepsisters.
· Lyric Opera’s own musical director Sir Andrew Davis conducts the Lyric Opera Orchestra, while Francesco Milioto makes his Lyric Opera debut conducting the January 11th performance of Cendrillon.
· A feast for the senses! The hyper-theatrical costume designs by Laurent Pelly and Barbara de Limburg’s clever set designs, which make scenery out of the storybook pages and words, are guaranteed to astonish and amuse. (The renowned director-costume designer and set designer are both French and both making Lyric debuts.) Duane Schuler‘s lighting designs enhance the magical atmosphere.
· A vibrant collection of courtiers has their turn in the spotlight through some of the most visually stunning and energetic scenes in the show, portrayed by the Lyric Opera Chorus, prepared by chorus master Michael Black. The original choreography for the ball scene by Laura Scozzi, with revival choreography by Karine Girard (both Lyric debuts), is a dance the audience won’t soon forget.
· A Cendrillon Chicago has not seen yet: This beloved production of Cendrillon is making its premiere at Lyric, and the opera itself has not graced Chicago since 1911—long, long ago!
· See it if you like: Family-friendly entertainment, a perfect date-night show, gorgeous music, enchanting visuals, and a blissfully happy ending!
· Running Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes with 1 intermission: Enjoy an exceptional live experience in the beautiful surroundings of the Art-Deco theater and foyer.
· Sung in French with projected English translations.
· Six performances Dec. 1, 5, 8, and Jan. 11, 17, and 20 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Performance dates in bold are 2pm matinees. Weekend evening performances start at 7:30 pm and please note the earlier start time for weeknight performances at 7:00 pm.
· For more information and to order tickets, visit lyricopera.org/Cendrillon or call 312-827-5600. Tickets start at $69 and special children’s ticket prices ($20-$50) are available to order by phone.
· For information about pre-performance dining options at Lyric, visit lyricopera.org/dining to learn about on-site restaurants, pop-up sushi bar, beverage service, and more. |
