YSU will present opera ‘Cinderella’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University’s Donald P. Pipino Performing Arts Series and the Dana School of Music will present Jules Massenet’s opera “Cinderella” this weekend at Youngstown State University’s Ford Theater, inside Bliss Hall.

Produced by YSU’s Pipino Performing Arts Series and the Dana School of Music, the opera will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

A pre-performance lecture titled “The Many Fates of Cinderella” will be given by Dana graduate student Edward Sallustio at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the Judith Rae Solomon Gallery on the second floor of Bliss Hall. Patrons are also invited to attend that evening the opening reception of the Spring Graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition in the adjacent McDonough Museum, featuring works by graduating art students. Admission to both events is free.

Prof. Hae-Jong Lee will conduct “Cinderella.” Director and set designer is Gary Lehman; production and music director is Prof. Misook Yun; orchestra preparation is by Prof. Stephen Gage and Joseph Kromholz; rehearsal pianist is Anthony Ruggiero; costume and makeup designer is Wendy Akers; lighting designer is James Oakry and stage and property manager is Kate Kramer.

“Cendrillon (Cinderella)” was composed by Jules Massenet between 1894 and 1896. The opera premiered in Paris in 1899 and became very successful, with productions mounted all over the world. It would became more of a rarity within the repertoire until its reappearance in the 1980s.

Described as a “fairytale,” this French version of the classic Cinderella tale is darker and more dramatic than both the Disney version and the more often performed and popular opera “La Cenerentola,” by Rossini. The familiar characters of Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother and the Stepsisters remain largely the same, while the roles of the Father, Stepmother and especially the Prince are greatly expanded.

All seats are general admission. Tickets are $16 ($8 for nonYSU students, YSU faculty and staff with valid ID, senior citizens, Penguin Club members and groups of eight or more). For reservations, call 330-941-3105 or go to ysu.tix.com.