"La Cenerentola" Opens Friday at UAO

Union Avenue Opera continues its season with Rossini's La Cenerentola, a sparkling rendition of the cherished fairytale Cinderella in this timeless story of the triumph of love. Rossini's interpretation is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Through a series of disguises and clever deceptions, Prince Ramiro aims to find his true love. Meanwhile, the gentle and kind spirited Cenerentola finds the courage within to defy those who stand in her way as she journeys from servants' quarters to a princess' throne.

St. Louis audiences last saw La Cenerentola at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 1987. The Metropolitan Opera recently broadcast its 2009 revival of the piece into movie theaters across the country. Click here for a full synopsis of the opera.

Singing the role of the rags-to-riches heroine, Mezzo-soprano Abigail Fischer makes her Union Avenue Opera debut as Angelina (nicknamed "Cenerentola" by her step-relatives). Tenor Keith Boyer, who most recently sang the role of Tchekalinsky in Pikovaya Dama and performed on the 2010 Gala Concert at UAO, sings the role of Prince Ramiro. (Singers pictured at left | photo: Ron Lindsey) Returning after his engagement last summer as Hortensius in La fille du Régiment, Baritone Scott Levin will portray Alidoro, the Prince's tutor. Soprano Gina Galati (Giorgietta in 2008's Il Tabarro) and Mezzo-soprano Kara Cornell (Zweiter Dame in 2007's Die Zauberflöte) sing the wicked step-sisters Clorinda and Tisbe, respectively. Two baritones make their UAO debut: Kenneth Mattice as Dandini, the Prince's valet, and Adam Fry as wicked step-father Don Magnifico. Tenors Joshua Stanton, Anthony Heinemann and Baritone Nathan Ruggles comprise a chamber chorus of courtiers.

UAO Principal Stage Director Jolly Stewart stages the production. Conductor Elizabeth Hastings makes her UAO debut in the pit. The design team includes Patrick Huber (scenic) and Michele Siler (costumes). Sarah Rugo serves as Stage Manager and Vera Parkin serves as production répetiteur.

Dr. Glen Bauer of Webster University will be giving an Opening Night Lecture on the opera. The lecture begins at 7pm Friday, July 29th, one hour before curtain, in the Fellowship Hall of Union Avenue Christian Church. This lecture is free to the public.

La Cenerentola opens Friday, July 29 and will run for three more performances on July 30, Aug 6 & 7(M). Performances begin 8pm, except for 3pm Matinee on August 7. Production sung in Italian with projected English supertitles. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church; 733 N. Union Blvd, St. Louis, 63108.

Tickets range $30-52. Children's General Admission Tickets (ages 12 and under) are available for $15. Student Rush Tickets are $15 with valid Student ID (cash only) for any remaining seats available 15 minutes before curtain. To purchase Tickets or find more information about Union Avenue Opera, please call 314.361.2881 or visit http://www.unionavenueopera.org/