Photo Flash: The Lyric Opera of Chicago Presents CENDRILLION

The Lyric Opera of Chicago premiere of Jules Massenet's charming fairytale opera Cendrillon (Cinderella) opens Saturday, December 1 at 7:30pm. There are six performances Dec. 1 through Jan. 20 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago. Tickets start at $49 for adults and just $20 for children, and are available now at lyricopera.org/Cendrillon or at 312-827-5600.

Lyric's presentation of Cendrillon features a fabulous international cast of new and returning artists to portray the colorful characters of this familiar and beloved fairytale.

Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg makes her American debut as the titular Cinderella, English mezzo-soprano Alice Coote returns to Lyric in a signature portrayal as the pouting prince whose passions are awakened, and Canadian soprano Marie-Eve Munger (Lyric debut) sings stratospherically high notes as the glamorous and sassy fairy godmother. Cinderella's henpecked father Pandolfe is sung by Australian-born bass-baritone Derek Welton (Lyric debut). American mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop(Lyric debut) portrays the bossy stepmother, while Ryan Opera Center soprano Emily Pogorelc (Lyric debut) and mezzo-soprano Kayleigh Decker play the absurdly funny stepsisters. Members of the Lyric Opera Chorus nearly steal the show with their hilariously exaggerated movements and outlandish costumes, portraying courtiers, servants, and a parade of hopeful princesses.

Sir Andrew Davis conducts the Lyric Opera Orchestra in the production he led previously in Barcelona. French director Laurent Pelly (Lyric debut) is also the costume designer, and the whimsically sculptural attire onstage is sure to draw gasps of astonishment and delight. Belgian native Barbara de Limburg (Lyric debut) has created scenery incorporating giant storybook pages. Duane Schuler is lighting designer, Michael Black is chorus master, France-based Laura Scozzi (Lyric debut) is the original choreographer, and French choreographer Karine Girard (Lyric debut) is the revival choreographer.

Cendrillon is performed in French with projected English translations.

Photo Credit: Todd Rosenberg