Fort Worth Opera
Fort Worth Opera’s 79th season draws to a glittering close with Gioachino Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” (Cinderella), a rousing rendition of the beloved fairy tale, replete with comedic charm and romantic twists. The production, set to take the stage at Bass Performance Hall on April 25 and 27, marks the company’s first full-scale performance in the iconic venue since 2019.
“This is a thrilling moment for Fort Worth Opera,” said Fort Worth Opera General & Artistic Director Angela Turner Wilson. “'La Cenerentola' is the perfect blend of comedy, romance, vocal fireworks, and theatrical exuberance. We are proud to present it with sets, costumes, and the full Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra bringing Rossini’s score to life in the splendor of Bass Performance Hall.”
First performed in 1817, “La Cenerentola” stands as a staple in the operatic canon. Rossini's take on Cinderella diverges from the familiar fairy tale, replacing the evil stepmother with a cruel stepfather and vain stepsisters. When the kind-hearted Cinderella, named Angelina, helps a beggar at her door, the stage is set for a series of mistaken identities, romantic tension, and gleeful mischief.
“This 'Cinderella' is about good deeds and good hearts winning the day,” Wilson said. “The love story is deep and real as Angelina and her Prince fall in love long before the ball, but the opera is also packed with hilarious antics, over-the-top characters, lush settings, and Rossini’s perfect score.”
The production, directed and choreographed by Candace Evans, offers a fresh and physical take on the opera. A veteran of both theater and dance, Evans brings a dynamic sense of storytelling to the stage, ensuring the action is just as lively without the supertitles as it is with them.
“I always ask my performers what would happen if the supertitles went out during a performance in Italian or German — would the audience still know what was going on?” Evans explained. “That’s our task: to bring the story to life from the words, the music, and our actions. Luckily, with Rossini and his wonderful characters and insightful comedy, that’s such a fun task.”
Internationally acclaimed conductor Christian Capocaccia will lead the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, guiding the cast through Rossini’s brilliant score. Known for his rapport with vocalists, Capocaccia’s energy brings added depth to the production.
“I have been fortunate to work with Christian before, and I have such admiration for him,” said Evans. “We’re already in alignment, which gives great support to our singers. We don’t need to sound each other out. Mom and Dad are already in place.”
Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Doche stars as Angelina, a role that showcases her remarkable coloratura skills. Alongside Doche is tenor Victor Ryan Robertson, playing Prince Ramiro. A versatile artist whose journey from rock singer to opera star has captivated audiences, Robertson brings both vocal power and charm to the role.
The opera’s comedic charm comes to life through the antics of a trio of baritones: Grammy Award-winner Adelmo Guidarelli as Don Magnifico, Angelina’s pompous stepfather; Efraín Solís as Dandini, the Prince’s clever valet; and Eric McKeever as the wise Alidoro, whose scheming sets the plot in motion. Meanwhile, Fort Worth Opera Resident Artists Hannah Madeleine Goodman and Mariam Mouawad play the stepsisters Clorinda and Tisbe, delivering riotous physical comedy.
Evans highlights the special chemistry between Goodman and Mouawad. “They’ve spent a year working together and playing off each other,” Evans said. “They already have that sisterly bond and the kind of trust that’s essential for great physical comedy. You’re going to love the things they get up to onstage!”
One departure from the classic fairy tale is the moment when Cinderella, instead of losing a slipper at the ball, gives the Prince one of her matching bracelets with instructions to find her by it — a gesture that recalls a youthful sincerity, akin to a modern love story. To mark the occasion, luxury brand BuDhaGirl has teamed up with Fort Worth Opera to release a limited-edition Cinderella bracelet—available for purchase online or included with admission to the Cinderella Tea, a separately ticketed and elegant pre-show experience.
For those seeking an elevated experience, private boxes are available for both performances, offering prime views, champagne, and charcuterie in a luxurious setting.
As Fort Worth Opera’s season finale, “La Cenerentola” promises to be a production brimming with humor, romance, and musical splendor — a fitting close to a spectacular season.
The Fort Worth Opera production of Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” will be performed at Bass Performance Hall on April 25 at 7:30 p.m. and April 27 at 2:00 p.m.
