Wagner College Opera to Present CINDERELLA With Works by Rossini, Massenet & More
Performances will take place in May at Wagner College’s Main Stage, with direction and musical leadership by Dr. Vincent Graña.
Wagner College Opera will present Cindeerella, told through the many variations and settings this classic tale has inspired. Throughout history, the story of Cinderella has captured our hearts and this imaginative production weaves together scenes from some of the most beloved operatic and musical theatre interpretations of the fairy tale, including selections from Cendrillon by Massenet, Cendrillon by Viardot, La Cenerentola by Rossini, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, and a sprinkle of Disney magic to bring it all together. Presented in English, Wagner College Opera invites audiences of all ages to rediscover a story they know by heart and to hear, perhaps anew, why it continues to inspire storytellers and dreamers everywhere.
Wagner College Opera celebrates the universality of Cinderella's story and its remarkable ability to transcend time, language, and artistic tradition. From lyrical French romance to effervescent Italian comedy, from Golden Age Broadway warmth to the sparkle of modern fairy-tale fantasy, the heart of the story remains constant. Across every era and interpretation, Cinderella's defining trait is her kindness: a quiet strength that endures hardship, believes in goodness, and ultimately transforms the world around her. This production places that truth front and center, honoring the timeless message that compassion, generosity, and hope are virtues worthy of reward.
As director and conductor Dr. Vincent Graña reflects, "Cinderella's greatest strength is not magic, beauty, or fortune-it is her compassion," emphasizing that "kindness is not weakness, but power." This guiding idea shaped both the storytelling and the creative process, as the production "weave[s] together moments from several beloved interpretations" to highlight a shared truth across traditions. Dr. Graña also notes that "opera training often asks young performers to fit themselves into a specific role within a fixed score." By including scenes from multiple settings of the fairy tale the performers, WCO's CINDERELLA was designed to showcase each performer's individuality, celebrating the unique voice and artistry of every student.
Performances will take place on Saturday, May 9th at 7:30PM and Sunday, May 10th at 4:00PM on Wagner College's Main Stage.
Patrons are welcome to park in the Tiers Lot Visitor Parking and the Stadium Parking Lot. To find the Wagner College Main Entrance with a GPS, use 631 Howard Ave, Staten Island, NY.
Cinderella is stage and music directed by Dr. Vincent Graña and accompanied by collaborative pianist Giovanni Longo. Choreographer Jillian Rubino '26, Producer and Costume Designer Michelle Siemens, Technical Director Selina Amargo '26, Scenic Designer Jess Luciano '27, Lighting Designer Alex Rice '26, Stage Manager Adar Marcus '29. Special Thanks to Vicki Neal and Brian T. Sharron. The cast includes: Victoria Acquavita, Selina Amargo, Gaby Couto-Baez, Destiny Elias, Violet Fallon, Madison Garcia, Kat Kiefski, Meg Loy, Miriam Lupu, Jacky Maloney, Leah Marnick, Sophia Nelson, Cassandra Nieves, Donata O'Neill, Aria Peng, Riley Stevens, and Caleb Ullian.
General Admission: $20. Wagner College Faculty/Staff/Students: Free
At this time they can only accept cash payments; all proceeds go directly to WCO productions. You can pay at the door or visit the Wagner College Theatre box office during operating hours to purchase your tickets in advance.
