Dean Poling | The Valdosta Daily TimesCinderella (played by Dorea Cook) dreams of a better life in the Valdosta State University production of ‘Cinderella: The Opera!’

VALDOSTA — There’s going to be a whole lot of turning into a pumpkin this month.

Two productions of the Cinderella story are scheduled this month. Both shows are affiliated with Valdosta State University.

Valdosta State University Opera presents Jules Massenet’s “Cinderella: The Opera!” Jan. 20-22.

The Cinderella Ballet is scheduled for Jan. 28-29, Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St. It is sponsored by Valdosta School of Ballet with VSU Theatre & Dance to raise scholarship funds for students.

The opera is already moving into the dress rehearsal stage as its performance dates approach.

Stage Director Tamara Hardesty describes “Cinderella: The Opera!” as “a family-friendly operatic version of everyone’s favorite fairy tale, with lovely music by French composer Jules Massenet, though we will sing it in English.”

VSU Theatre costume designer Esther Iverson dresses the opera characters in “late Renaissance” clothing.

The opera combines familiar elements with additional nuances to the Cinderella story.

Audiences will find the stepmother and the two stepsisters, Hardesty said. Prince Charming is present. But, here, so is Cinderella’s father.

In many tellings, Cinderella is treated poorly by her steps following her father’s death. In the opera, Pandolfe, Cinderella’s father, is alive and as abused as Cinderella by the steps.

There are no enchanted animals turning into coachmen and steeds in the opera. The fairy godmother is aided by six spirits to prepare Cinderella for the ball.

“Cinderella” is the main production this season. VSU Opera has scheduled an April 20 Opera After Dark event themed “Wine, Women and Song” at The Patterson, downtown, Hardesty said.

“Cinderella” can serve as an introduction of opera to newcomers and an enjoyable production for fans. The production contains the elements of opera with one noticeable difference.

“Unlike some operas,” Hardesty said, “you can count on this one to have a happy ending.” 

 

THE CAST: Dorea Cook, Joseph Mason, Kendra Beasley, Brittany DiGiammarino, Lacie Duncan, Kyle Hancock, Marti Shert, Rebekah Ward, MaKinsey Rosser, Savanna Buice, Andrea Leon-Moreno, Amber Patterson, Diana Motta, Philip Schredl, MaKinsey Rosser, Nathan Calvert, Diana Motta, Di’laine Jones, Kela Miller, Stephanie Wilson.

DIRECTION, PRODUCTION: Ken Kirk, conductor; Tamara Hardesty, stage director; Carol Mikkelsen, Dorea Cook, assistant music directors; Sue Ellen Rumstay, rehearsal pianist; Joseph Muncy, technical director; Brant Pickard, sound/projector engineer; Genny Muncy, scenic designer; Zoe Muncy, assistant scene painter; Esther Iverson, costume designer; Kathy Raess-Young, costume assistant; Eric Nielsen, choreographer; Brenda Brunston, Gabrielle Ford, assistant choreographers; Kendrick Jacobs, stage manager; Noah Dalton, follow spot operator; Brandon Chandler, wigs.

SHOWTIME

VSU Opera presents “Cinderella: The Opera!”

When: 10 a.m., Jan. 20 (youth performance); 7:30 p.m., Jan. 21; 3 p.m., Jan. 22.

Where: Whitehead Auditorium, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Reservations, more information: Call (229) 333-2150; or visit www.valdosta.edu/music/opera.