In Seattle Opera's production of Cinderella, the mysterious, lovely stranger’s ID is not a glass slipper, but a matching bracelet. Her stepsisters? Wickedly funny. And it’s a troop of helpful rats that help her get to the ball: There's no fairy godmother in sight.
The candy-colored production of Rossini’s comedy makes a perfect first-time opera for children and adults alike. The show opens next Saturday, Jan. 12, but you can start the fun a week early at a free open house this Saturday, Jan. 5, and/or make plans together for the special family-friendly matinee on Sunday, Jan. 20.
All details are below.
Seattle Opera Free Open House
Saturday, Jan. 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.,
McCaw Hall, FREE
This fun, free event is packed with activities your kids will love: Learn to sing a lot of words really fast! Challenge yourself with tongue twisters, the funniest sounds in Rossini’s comic operas. (Remember “Feegaro-Feegaro-Feegaro” from The Barber of Seville? THAT Rossini.) Discover variations of the Cinderella story from around the world, and make a paper doll of your favorite prince or princess. Make a special bracelet. Learn to dance! Use it all when the clock strikes 12 (noon) at Cinderella’s ball. You'll dance and sing, special guest singers will also do selections from Cinderella and Seattle Opera’s “Opera Time” program for pre-K through second grade children will present its story-time performance version.
Family Day Matinee with $15 Youth Tickets
Sunday, January 20
McCaw Hall
At this special family matinee of Rossini's opera, the curtain will stay open during intermission for a peek at what’s going on behind the scenes as props are reset. An intermission narrator will describe it all and interview some of the performers.
Tickets: Up to four $15 youth (18 and under) tickets for every full-priced adult ticket ($25 and up) at this full-length performance. Seattle Opera BRAVO members (ages 21-39) 50 percent discount. Twelve tickets associated with the Teen Tix program are available for this show. Buy tickets at seattleopera.org or 206-389-7676 or 800-426-1619.
See also
- Many libraries around town are hosting free previews of the opera.
- You can also watch a video preview of the opera online
About the author: As a local radio host, Seattle writer Gigi Yellen has shared classical music with listeners to KUOW and Classical KING FM.
