Cendrillon, or the Tale of Cinderella

J. Massenet Opera 12+

Opera-féerie in three acts

Performed in French with Russian subtitles

Libretto by Henri Cain, based on Charles Perrault’s fairy-tale

Musical and stage version of the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre

The opera was written in 1899. This version was first performed in Perm in 2007.

The Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre is the first theatre in Russia to stage this infrequently performed opera by Jules Massenet. Seasoned music-lovers have the rare opportunity of listening to an elegant, unknown score by the composer of Werther, and the eternal theme of the transformation of the poor hard-working orphan into a beautiful princess will appeal to those who enjoy romantic stories.

The production features many surprises and unusual characters: the Fairy rides onto the stage on a pony made up to look like the magical Unicorn, and sweet ‘trained’ live chickens accompany the little elves throughout the first act.