Opera 'Cinderella' on stage April 13, 14, 19 and 20

Western Washington University’s Opera Studio presents “Cinderella (Cendrillon)” by Jules Massenet at 7:30 p.m. on April 11, 13, and 19-20, and at 2 p.m. on April 14 in Room 16 of the Performing Arts Center.

The production will be in French with English captions.

A familiar fairy tale in the hands of a master of French opera, Massenet’s “Cinderella” is similar to the well-known Disney version, but with some beautiful new scenes that bring a sense of wit, elegance, and enchantment. Having grown up on a farm and now living in a city, the WWU production follows Cinderella as she retreats to her rooftop garden to reconnect with her farm roots, and it is there where she is visited by her fairy godmother.

“Massenet’s music beautifully captures the characters of the story – the simple Cinderella, her arrogant stepmother and stepsisters, and the diehard romantic Prince Charming,” shared Jay Rozendaal, interim director of the WWU Opera Studio. “I think that the story remains wildly popular because we like to imagine ourselves into the story, to think that maybe it isn’t magic after all, but perhaps that it really feels like it when you unexpectedly find your true love.”

Directed by WWU Music faculty Kathryn Weld, “Cinderella (Cendrillon)” showcases the student talent of the WWU Opera Studio. Several of the production cast members are in their senior year at WWU and have also studied opera abroad, including at the prestigious Siena Summer Music in Siena, Italy, and the French American Vocal Academy in France.

“Cinderella (Cendrillon)” will play at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, Saturday, April 13, and Friday through Saturday, April 19-20; as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. The production will be performed in an intimate setting, Room 16 of the Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for the performance are $16 general; $13 for seniors, WWU faculty and staff; and $10 for students. Tickets are available through the Western Box Office at (360) 650-6146 or online at http://www.tickets.wwu.edu. Box Office hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour prior to performances. For tickets or disability accommodations call (360) 650-6146.

For additional information please call Western’s Department of Music at (360) 650-3130.