Cinderella by Rossini, Wed 23 Dec 2020, From (2020/2021), Directed by Victor Gerasimenko, Conductor Dmitry Volosnikov, Novaya Opera Theatre, Moscow, Russia

Rossini turned the traditional fairy tale plot of Charles Perrault about a dirty girl who met the prince into a comic opera, supplementing it with new unexpected events. Cinderella acquires not a stepmother, but a stepfather, Baron Manifico, instead of a fairy, the wizard Alidoro appears. In the performance, he is also a director-playwright who composes this fairy tale in front of the audience and directs all the characters. Prince Ramiro, dressed as his servant, meets Cinderella before the ball. The role of the prince is played by his valet Dandini, who dresses up as a crowned lady to appreciate the sincerity of Don Magnifico's daughters. At the ball, Cinderella does not lose her shoe, but gives the prince a bracelet, according to which he must find her. The opera is full of dressing up, comical situations and, of course, magic. The original 3D scenography and vivid video sequence are responsible for the magic. On huge screens, the old spider room instantly transforms into a fantastic garden of bizarre plants; clouds flying through the doors are instantly replaced by the image of a carriage taking Cinderella to the ball. Thanks to modern video technologies, the characters move from the real stage space "inside" the screen, where the action develops further. Projected images come to life before the eyes of the audience! A bright, fabulous performance with three-dimensional animation is interesting for both children and adults.