Review by Cynthia Ning
Dearest reader,
This summer promises a whirlwind of romance and drama as Cinderella (Cendrillon) graces the Sydney Opera House since her debut staged by The Royal Opera at the Covent Garden in 2011.
The orchestra conducted by Evan Rogister breathed light and magic through composer Jules Massenet’s 19th-century operatic Cendrillon piece. As the curtains unveiled the set, it revealed ceiling-length pages from the storybook written in French, which doubled as the walls of Cinderella’s home. The hidden doors, secret passages and hallway shadows gave off the illusion of an expansive mansion and featured the ever-present domineering figure of the household - Madame De La Haltière (Angela Hogan).
Beloved father Pandolfe (Richard Anderson) was simply beside himself with his match to Madame, the sharp-tongued stepmother whose ambitions were made very clear with her impressive vocal range. His staff bumbled in fear of Madame as they all succumbed to her power with every beck and call. Feeling pitiful sorrow for his gentle daughter Cinderella (Emily Edmonds), he pantomimes his adoptive daughters with a bit of tongue-in-cheek.
Noémie (Jennifer Black) and Dorothée (Ashlyn Tymms) were both inseparable and insufferable, parroting and mirroring each other in unified synchronicity. Their haughty attitude matched their tightly pinned hair and equally loud colourful bonbon costumes, bouncing with every step.
Cinderella, as quiet as a household mouse, expressed her loneliness and observant nature by echoing her struggles into empty space. Despite Cinderella’s woeful circumstances, she remains grateful for what she is given and is paid a visit from her enigmatic and glittering soprano Fairy Godmother (Emma Mathews).
The dream sequence had an ethereal quality with multiple copies of Cinderella appearing before our eyes, creating another optical illusion under the soft lighting from the handheld lamps to the twinkling stars above. The word Carosse (carriage) was taken straight out of a page from the book, making it a practical and suitable mode of transport for the night.
No expense was spared in the making of the elaborate gowns and Cinderella simply sparkled among the hues of black and crimson attire. The intense colour and shapes of the ensemble’s costumes contrasted with Cinderella’s softness wonderfully.
Prince Charming’s (Margaret Plummer) boyish stubbornness and resistance to attending the ball was understandable as he wanted to marry for love and not for duty. The idea of choosing a bride for the nuptial of the century would overwhelm anyone in that position. The King (Shane Lowrencev) however, was set on ordering his son to make the effort and secure a match. There was a sigh of relief from his fashion-forward footmen as they ushered the Prince to get dressed and make their final preparations with a flounce in their step.
The chich ladies adorned in red with stylish wigs had a tart bite to them, leaving a sour taste and impression on the bewildered Prince, shaking his head at every potential love match. The performers balanced their romantic gestures and comedic timing splendidly.
Upon their first meeting, our two female leads showcased the shyness and newness of the blossoming romance between Cinderella and Prince Charming with tender affection. This is a fairytale after all.
The chandelier lights illuminated the ballroom, reflecting off the enormous golden gates and Cinderella’s ombre bejewelled dress. The guests blurred into the warm background as the celebrations were in full swing but ended all too soon with Cinderella finding herself back in her reality with lightning-fast costume changes.
The royal announcement of the shoe fitting was an exciting and competitive affair with ladies from across the land, including Madame herself trying for their chance to win Prince Charming’s hand in marriage. But ultimately, it was true love from Cinderella’s fated encounter that brought them back together. A match made in heaven.
A fantastic retelling of a classic fairytale, it is an operatic delight and suitable for all to enjoy.
This enchanted invitation will only be extended until the 28th of March so be sure to dust off your ballgowns before the season is over.
Image Supplied