ACT 1 

We open with Angelina (Cenerentola), who is forced to work as a servant in her stepfather, Don Magnifico’s, dilapidated home. While she waits on her spoiled stepsisters, Clorinda and Tisbe, Angelina sings about the story of a king who chose a poor bride for her virtue. A beggar arrives on their doorstep – – Alidoro, the Prince’s tutor, in disguise. While the stepsisters, disgusted, insist on sending him away, Angelina secretly brings him food. Suddenly, the Prince’s servants appear to announce that Prince Ramiro is arriving soon and will be holding a ball to find a bride. Don Magnifico sees dollar signs as he thinks about one of his daughters marrying a prince.  

While Don Magnifico and his daughters prepare themselves for Prince Ramiro’s arrival, the Prince’s valet enters. Unbeknownst to the household, the valet is actually Ramiro in disguise, hoping to see the true colours of his potential brides. Alidoro had told him ofa maiden living in Don Magnifico’s home who was worthy of being a princess. When Angelina enters, it is love at first sight. He asks who she is, but she panics and runs off.  

Ramiro’s actual valet, Dandini, arrives dressed as the Prince. Don Magnifico, Clorinda and Tisbe make fools of themselves fawning over this prince, as he invites them to the ball. Angelina begs her stepfather to let her attend, but he refuses. Alidoro, no longer in disguise, returns with information about a third daughter in the household. Lying, Don Magnifico insists that she has died, and threatens Angelina with death if she speaks out. Once everyone departs, Alidoro assures Angelina that she will go to the ball and be rewarded for her kindness. 

Dandini and Ramiro return to the palace with Magnifico and his daughters. Ahead of the ball Dandini bestows upon Don Magnifico a new title in honour of his skills as a sommelier – The Conoisseur of Royal Wines. Magnifico then heads out to try every bottle in the royal cellar.  When Clorinda and Tisbe arrive, Dandini offers Ramiro (still dressed as a valet) as a consolation prize to the sister he does not marry. They are disgusted at the idea of marrying beneath them. Alidoro arrives with a mysterious woman who looks suspiciously like Angelina.  

ACT 2  

Magnifico laments the threat this new potential bride poses. Meanwhile, Dandini (still dressed as the Prince) tries to charm Angelina. She rejects the “prince’s” advances by declaring her love for his valet. Overhearing this, Ramiro steps forwards to claim his bride. They’ve found each other! Happily ever after, right? Not quite yet… 

Angelina, scared that Ramiro won’t love her after he discovers her true identity, informs him she is going home and that if he truly loves her, he will find her. Magnifico confronts “the “prince”, insisting he must decide which of the two sisters will be his bride. Dandini tries to maintain the charade, but eventually, reveals the truth. A furious Magnifico returns home with his daughters. After a long search for his love, Ramiro’s carriage stops at Magnifico’s home. Ramiro and Angelina immediately recognise each other, and he declares his love.

Magnifico and his daughters taunt Angelina and insult her for daring to move above her station. Angered by their cruelty towards his true love, Ramiro threatens Magnifico, Clorinda and Tisbe. Angelina, with her pure heart, urges Ramiro to forgive her family for their actions. Ramiro and Angelina marry and, of course, live happily ever after…