You can always tell if a theatrical event is a success by the laughter and cheerful conversation of the audience as they leave.the theatre. Her Majesty’s Theatre positively vibrated with sounds of enjoyment and approval as people stepped our in to the night, having seen Cinderella by Rossini.
This production, opening State Opera 2026 season was a triumph.
An opera relies on singer, musicians, designers and a director to create the magic.
Starting with the singers, they were all wonderful and deserve to be named.
Angelina (Anna Dowsley) as Angelina is a true diva, with the voice and musicianship to take on anything Rossini demands of her. As Angelina (the Cinderella character) she was able, from the beginning to show, that while she was browbeaten and bullied by her step-father and step-sisters, she was not defeated. In her moment of final happiness, she was gracious and forgiving, not allowing resentment or rancour to ruin her own joy.
Clorinda (Helena Dix) and Tisbe (Indiana Schneider) the step-sisters are splendid vocally but with the lift of an eyebrow, an aggressive gesture, or a self satisfied smirk, show their true characters to be selfish, narcissistic and self deluding, Their father Don Magnifico(Teddy Tahu Rhodes) sings magnificently, and is amazingly energetic as he blusters and schemes in an effort to marry off at least one of his daughters.
Don Ramiro (Jihoo Son) as the Prince, disguised as his own valet, shows restraint and dignity, while singing in true tenor style with high notes that soar to the rafters. Dandini (Nicholas Lester) clearly relishes his chance to play the part of a Prince, ignoring Ramiro’s whispered order to tone it down as he struts and dances, teases and flirts all the while singing splendidly.
Moving the story along there is the chorus of footmen, providing humour, robust singing and fun dance routines. They added greatly to the opera.
Manipulating all the action, Alidoro,(Pelham Andrews) also in excellent voice, steps in and out of the story with a happy smile, standing back as his machinations bear fruit. Angelina and Don Ramiro are to live happily ever after. Don Magnifico and his daughters ask forgiveness, and weep crocodile tears. Angelina sings a final dazzling aria Naqui all affanno. Good has triumphed
Neil Armfield has directed the cast so that the rhythm of the action on stage complements the rhythms and themes in the music. Through this the actions and reactions seem just right, never overdone or facile.
The stage is set by the cast, during the overture, which was fun to watch, the lighting and costumes adding to the overall excellence.
There are only three more chances to see this opera in which the music composed by Rossini and the libretto by Jacopo Ferretti have proved to be a winner, especially in this particular production.
Beg, borrow or steal if necessary to get a ticket. It really is a winner.
Images Andrew Bereridge
State Opera South Australia
Her Majesty’s Theatre 9,14, 16 May
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