Family Guide to
La Cenerentola Synopsis
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By Gioachino Rossini
here is young woman named Angelina–also known to her family as Cenerentola (or Cinderella)–who lives in a crumbling mansion with her stepfather, Don Magnifico, and her two stepsisters, Clorinda and Tisbe. Clorinda and Tisbe act like royalty, while Cenerentola has to do all the household chores. One day, a beggar appears at the door. He is actually Alidoro, the tutor to Prince Ramiro, and is in disguise to search for a girl for the prince to marry.
The sisters tell Cenerentola to hurry and bring their finest jewelry because they believe the prince will invite them to the elegant ball that he is hosting. The house is busy preparing for Prince Ramiro when he suddenly arrives, disguised as his own valet. Cenerentola and Prince Ramiro greet each other, but Cenerentola has to rush away to help her stepsisters. Moments later, everyone is greeted by Dandini, Prince Ramiro’s valet who is dressed as the prince. The stepsisters shower Dandini with affection and are invited to the grand ball. Cenerentola also wants to attend, but her stepfather refuses to let her go. After everyone leaves for the palace, Alidoro asks Cenerentola to accompany him to the ball. Casting aside his clothes as a beggar, Alidoro reveals that he is actually a member of Prince Ramiro’s royal court. Later that evening, Dandini (still disguised as the Prince) arrives at the palace with Don Magnifico and the two stepsisters. Dandini informs Prince Ramiro that he does not trust Don Magnifico and his family. Prince Ramiro is confused because Alidoro had mentioned earlier that one daughter is wonderful. Clorinda and Tisbe soon rejoin Dandini, and he asks Ramiro to escort one of them into the ball. They both turn up their noses at this offer because they think he is only the valet. A mysterious veiled lady arrives at the ball and as she lifts her veil, everyone senses something familiar about her. She looks like Cenerentola, but how could that be? Prince Ramiro is fascinated by the new guest and her resemblance to the young woman he met earlier that day. As Dandini escorts Cenerentola into the ball, Prince Ramiro hides behind a wall and overhears their conversation. Flattered by Dandini’s attention, Cenerentola tells him that she is in love with his valet. Excited to hear the news, Prince Ramiro ends his charade as the valet and professes that he is the true prince. To test his sincerity, Cenerentola gives Prince Ramiro one of her matching bracelets and turns to leave the ball. Prince Ramiro summons his carriage to search for Cenerentola, but she has returned home continued on next page
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1/25/07 11:18:01 AM