Ozarks Lyric Opera will open its season with its first fully staged production of Rossini's "La Cenerentola," bringing an international cast and elaborate period designs to Springfield audiences in September.
The performances at Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield, are scheduled for Sept. 18 and Sept. 20, according to a community announcement. The opera will be performed in Italian with English supertitles.
The season-opening production features costumes from Sarasota Opera Costume Shop designed by Ed Kotanen and hand-painted scenic drops from Backdrops by Charles H. Stewart, a Massachusetts studio known for traditional theatrical scenery.
Cast brings national and international experience
The production stars Sophia Maekawa as Angelina, also known as Cinderella. The cast also includes
Arnold Livingston Geis as Don Ramiro, Patrick Scully as Alidoro and Oriana Geis-Falla as Clorinda.
Ozarks Lyric Opera said in the announcement that the performers have appeared with opera companies and productions across the country.
Performance schedule and ticket promotions
The opening-night performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18. A separate-ticket event, the Red Curtain Affair, will precede the show. Theatre doors open at 6 p.m., and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Ozarks Lyric Opera also plans to provide complimentary valet parking for opening-night guests.
The Sept. 20 matinee begins at 2:30 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m.
For the matinee, the company is offering a promotion that provides one free child ticket with the purchase of one adult ticket. Student rush and senior discounts also will be available.
"Each season, our goal is to elevate the operatic experience for audiences across the Ozarks," Artistic Director Michael Spyres said in the announcement. "This year, we're presenting an extraordinary production that celebrates everything opera can be — from enchanting comedy to an unforgettable celebration of the human voice."
About the organization
Ozarks Lyric Opera is a regional arts organization focused on opera and music theater productions, artist development and community outreach programs across the Ozarks.
Tickets and additional information are available at ozarkslyricopera.com. Audience members also may contact the Gillioz Theatre box office at 417-863-9491.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozarks Lyric Opera opens season with Rossini's 'Cinderella'
