Get ready for a "Cinderella Spring" on the University of Utah's Presidents Circle. Student companies will present three distinct takes on the familiar tale, starting with Rossini's comic opera "La Cenerentola" this week.
Joel Rosenberg directs the Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, which continues its long-running collaboration with the U.'s Lyric Opera Ensemble for this production in Libby Gardner Concert Hall. He says the Rossini version's human touch sets it apart from other Cinderella stories. "Rossini didn't like the fantasy," Rosenberg said. "He replaced the magic with the triumph of goodness." (Indeed, "The triumph of goodness" is the opera's subtitle.) In this telling, a philosopher and tutor replaces the fairy godmother, and the charming prince swaps places with his valet so he can observe would-be brides' true character. "Rossini really emphasizes the prince and his desire to win a woman of goodness," Rosenberg said.
Robert Breault, director of the U.'s opera program, said that on top of their entertainment value, the Paradigm productions offer valuable performance experience to his students. "Cenerentola" will be double cast, and doctoral candidate Ruth Ellis is student director. "Here at the U., we have opportunities for people who are ready," he said. "They're jumping right into the frying pan." Michael Ballam, founding general director of Logan-based Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, will pop in on Monday to offer professional advice. "Any time we can integrate the reality of what we're doing with the reality of the pros in town, it's great," Breault said.
Staging and props for this presentation will be minimal, but Breault said the 1980s-inspired costumes, an update from the opera's original late-18th-century setting, will add a touch of fun.
The Lyric Opera Ensemble will team up with the U.'s top orchestra, the Utah Philharmonia, for Massenet's "Cendrillon" in April. "It will be interesting to see how differently they tell the same story," Breault said. Where Rossini dispensed with magical elements such as helpful mice, a pumpkin coach and even the iconic glass slipper, "Massenet has six spirits, a choir, a fairy godmother and lots of magic."
The ever-resourceful opera program will capitalize on yet another Cinderella production on campus. Three weeks before "Cendrillon" takes the stage in Kingsbury Hall, the U.'s Utah Ballet and the Philharmonia will present a new production of Prokofiev's "Cinderella," with a set designed by winners of a competition in the university's department of art and art history and painted in the Utah Opera scene shop. "It's a magical steampunk look," Breault said.
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You'll be home by midnight
The University of Utah Lyric Opera Ensemble and Paradigm Chamber Orchestra present Rossini's "La Cenerentola (Cinderella)."
Where • Libby Gardner Concert Hall, 1375 E. Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City
When • Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13-14, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets • $10; free with U. of U. ID
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra rehearses for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes talks to Joel Rosenberg while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes talks to Joel Rosenberg while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra rehearses for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra rehearses for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes (left) sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra rehearses for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra rehearses for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes (left) sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra rehearses for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra rehearses for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes (left) sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sidnei Alferes (left) sings a solo while rehearsing for a performance of Rossini's "Cinderella" with Joel Rosenberg's Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah, Monday, February 2, 2015