Opera Tampa Presents CINDERELLA (LA CENERENTOLA), 2/10, 2/12

The 22nd season of Opera Tampa continues with Cinderella (La Cenerentola). Performances are Friday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m., in Morsani Hall.

Forget the fairy godmother and glimmering glass slipper...this comedic turn on the cinder-tending heroine of the classic folktale features Angelina, also known as Cinderella, or, Cenerentola (as Cinderella is known in Italian.) Desperate for something more fulfilling than daily hearth duty for her privileged step-sisters, Rossini's Angelina finds herself in disguise at a palace ball after falling in love-at-first-sight with the Prince's valet. But the night has many twists in store for Angelina when she discovers she's not the only one at the party in disguise - and not the only one madly in love. This sparkling, intricate score sweeps audiences off their feet in this heart-warming opera of happily-ever-after.

La Cenerentola will be sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. Maestro Daniel Lipton will lead the Opera Tampa Orchestra and Chorus. The production is headlined by mezzo-soprano and Opera Tampa New Voice Emily Righter (Angelina), David Guzman (Prince Ramiro), and bass-baritone Opera Tampa New Voice Adelmo Guidarelli (Don Magnifico). The cast also includes Gabriel Preisser (Dandini) and Todd Donovan (Alidoro) and is directed by James Marvel. This production is sponsored in part by Charlene and Mardy Gordon and Judith McLeod.

The remaining 2016-2017 Opera Tampa season includes Puccini's Tosca (April 7 and 9, 2017), a concert by the Opera Tampa Singers (May 7, 2017) and a host of special events including the education series Discover Opera (Jan. 8, Feb. 5 and April 2, 2017), Open Rehearsals (throughout January, February and March 2017) and the just-announced return of Italian pop opera powerhouse group Il Volo (March 30, 2017). The Opera Tampa Gala (March 25) includes the presentation of the 2017 Anton Coppola Excellence in the Arts Award to famed American soprano Diana Soviero. In conjunction with the Gala that same day, the historic Centennial Celebration concert honors Founding Artistic Director Maestro Anton Coppola's 100th birthday.

Regularly priced tickets for Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. performances of La Cenerentola are $83.50 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online atwww.strazcenter.org. Handling fees will apply. For more information about the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please visit the Straz Center's website at www.strazcenter.org. For more information about Opera Tampa, please visit www.operatampa.org.

(Photo Credit: Rob Harris)