Opera Double Bill: Cinderella and Gianni Schicchi

This Double Bill of One Act Operas was performed by WAAPA’s Classical Voice Students, beautifully accompanied on piano by Musical Director Tommaso Pollio. Both directed by Emma Matthews, they were simply presented but packed great entertainment value.

Cinderella, or Cendrillon was written by composer Pauline Viardot for her students, but adds a few twists and turns, including a wicked stepfather rather than mother. This version varies the story a little further, with the characters attending a party rather than a ball. Both plays are double cast, and I saw “Siena’s Cast”. 

Sienna Freeman played the total role (she alternated with Sarah Ganon). As well as singing superbly, Sienna is an excellent actress, who anchored the show beautifully and was a joy to watch. Her stepsisters, not ugly, but badly dressed, were played with a good sense of fun by Faith Rico (Maguelone) and Armelinda (Jessica Goodwin). Stepfather Baron di Pitordo, of questionable background, was played with flair by Devon Lake.

The fairy godmother literally lights up the stage in a lit-up glittery gown, exquisitely voiced by Emily Shivers. Eve-Scarlet Tower dons britches (or jeans) to play Prince Charming with Heath Ledgeresque shoulders, with support from Olivia Muir as chamberlain Barigoule.

An enthusiastic ensemble played party guests, with support provided by violinist Chelsea Fontana and Nicholas Hockley on chimes. Students provided their own costumes to a denim theme and looked great.

After interval we are treated to Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, with this review being of “Sam’s Cast”. When Buoso Donati dies his relatives are devastated, not by his passing, but because he has left all his assets to the local monastery. Gianni Schicchi poses as the dead man to write a new will, but not as the scheming relatives expect.

Definitely not set at the turn of the 14th century, this play has a modern leather and punkish costuming (again done by the students themselves). Guest alumni Sam Claxton was comfortable and likable in the title role (he shared with Devon Lake), bringing a knowing smile. His daughter Lauretta was sympathetically played by Erin Tucker, singing the opera’s most famous aria “O Mia Babbino Caro”, beautifully. Rinnucio, a nephew of Buoso (quietly played by Brandon Orgill) is played with charm by Vin Trikeriotis.