Forget glass slippers and fairy godmothers — this retro-inspired production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola delivers romance, humour and soaring voices for a sophisticated night out in Adelaide.
South Australians know how to enjoy a night out. We book the long lunches, we dress for opening nights and we fill our festival calendars with enthusiasm. But when was the last time you truly surrendered to the thrill of live opera – not the idea of it, but the exhilarating, spine-tingling reality?
This May, State Opera South Australia invites audiences to do exactly that, opening its 2026 Golden Jubilee season with Rossini’s sparkling retelling of Cinderella, La Cenerentola, at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Performed in its originally composed Italian language, English translations are projected onto large screens on either side of the stage so everyone can always follow the story.
For those who appreciate style, culture and an entertaining evening in town, this production promises all three – and more. Directed by one of Australia’s most revered storytellers, Neil Armfield, and designed by the imaginative Stephen Curtis, this is Cinderella with sophistication and spark.
Yes, it’s the familiar tale – but not quite as you remember it.
You might like
Rossini’s version dispenses with fairy godmothers and glass slippers. Instead, this is a story about character. Angelina – our Cinderella, performed by mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley – rises above cruelty; not through enchantment but through integrity.
Abused and mistrusted by her vain stepsisters and her pompous, opportunistic father Don Magnifico (baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes), Angelina’s quiet grace and resilience capture the heart of Prince Ramiro, sung by tenor Jihoon Son. In this version, the prince is handsome and charming – but clever enough to look past the superficial glitter.
It lands, as the company describes it, like a smart modern-day romantic comedy. Think witty dialogue, rapid-fire misunderstandings and deliciously theatrical twists – all underscored by a live orchestra and voices powerful enough to fill the theatre without microphones.
That alone is worth the ticket.
Opera has a reputation for grandeur – and rightly so – but there is something uniquely intimate about unamplified voices soaring through a heritage theatre. The sound is physical; you feel it resonate in your chest.
Set in a retro 1970s world, this production brings a playful, stylish aesthetic to the stage. Stephen Curtis’s design promises colour, character and visual wit. For audiences who relish fashion, interiors and the theatre of presentation itself, there will be plenty to savour beyond the music.
Rossini’s score, written in 1817, remains irresistibly buoyant. The overture fizzes with energy; ensembles tumble forward with infectious momentum; and the vocal fireworks demand athleticism of the highest order. It is music that exhilarates.
Under Neil Armfield’s direction, emotional truth sits comfortably alongside humour. His productions are known for clarity of storytelling and accessibility – making this an ideal entry point for those who may not consider themselves opera aficionados.
Angelina’s triumph is not born of spectacle but of strength of character. In a culture often dazzled by surface, her intelligence and compassion quietly prevail. Even Don Magnifico – very much alive in this retelling and cheekily self-serving – feels recognisably human rather than pantomime villain.
It’s a production that invites South Australians to come and rediscover opera without intimidation.
As State Opera South Australia steps into its Golden Jubilee year, this premiere production – designed and produced in Adelaide – reflects both heritage and renewal.
For those seeking a refined night in the city offering style, substance and sheer theatrical delight, La Cenerentola is sure to deliver.
Secure your seats now and experience this unforgettable night at the theatre. Tickets available at the State Opera website here.
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
