Seattle Opera’s whimsical, madcap production of Rossini’s Cinderella is a perfect opera for young people and first-time opera-goers. Families can explore the elements of opera and Cinderella at a FREE open house at McCaw Hall on Saturday, January 5, 2013 in advance of the production’s opening. Later in the month, at the Family Day matinee performance of Cinderella on Sunday, January 20, tickets for youth are only $15.
The free open house runs from 10:00am – 1:00pm at McCaw Hall on Saturday, January 5, and features a full slate of activities, including interactive stations where families can learn to dance (in preparation for Cinderella’s Ball at noon!) and challenge themselves with tongue twisters and a lesson in patter singing, always the funniest sound in a Rossini comic opera. In Rossini’s version of the fairy tale, Cinderella is identified by her bracelet, not a glass slipper, so participants at the open house can create their own friendship bracelets, before rushing off to compete in a rat race. And because Cinderella has its roots in a story told and retold throughout the world, visitors to the open house can discover Cinderella stories from different cultures and make a paper doll that represents their favorite prince or princess.
When the clock strikes 12, the ball begins! It’s time to show off those dance steps and patter songs mastered earlier in the morning. Then, special guest singers will perform selections from Cinderella, and Seattle Opera’s “Opera Time” program, for pre-K through 2nd grade children, will explore a version of Cinderella through a combination of story-time, singing, movement, and elements of theater.
The open house is designed to give families insight into the fun and fantastical world of Rossini’s Cinderella. The matinee on Sunday, January 20 gives families the perfect opportunity to experience a performance of Cinderella at a huge discount! As one of this season’s designated Family Day performances, adults may purchase up to four $15 youth tickets for every full-priced adult ticket. For information and tickets, click HERE.
Cinderella (original title: La Cenerentola) opens on Saturday, January 12, 2013 and runs for eight performances through January 26. The production, with its bright costumes, vivid makeup, and helpful giant rats, has received rave reviews—including one from Opera News, which called it “attractively outrageous, with neon colors, wild takes on period costumes and wigs, and incredibly clever pieces of stage business.”
For more information visit http://www.seattleopera.org/Cinderella.
McCaw Hall is located at:
321 Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206.733.9725
http://www.mccawhall.com
