Review: IU Opera's Cendrillon
by Rita Kohn
IU Opera's production of Jules Massenet's opera Cendrillon [Cinderella] glowed with a special brilliance in memory of the 100th anniversary of the composer's death. One of twelve operas based on the story of Cinderella, this work, with libretto by Henri Cain, is particularly noted for its layers of emotional depth and exploration of dreams and reality.
Ronald Zollman conducted with a meticulous sense of tempo - not too rushed, yet proceeding with purpose to a conclusion that leaves one smiling and wistful. Equally unified with the gifted stage direction by Albert-Andre Lheureux were the picture book pop-up tableaux and luxurious costumes by C. David Higgins and the spot-on lighting by Julie Duro. Deftly navigating between humor, slapstick, pathos and joy, Lheureux allowed the large cast of characters to reveal itself as a microcosm of the real world in a fairy tale setting. The pit orchestra was excellent and the cast was nothing short of superb. Bravo. Nov. 8-11 at the Musical Arts Center in Bloomington
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