La Cenerentola (Cinderella) Synopsis
ACT 1
We open on 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 virtuosity. (“Una volta c’era un rè”)
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 entourage 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. Unbeknown to the household, the valet is actually Ramiro in disguise, hoping to see the true colours of his potential brides. Alidoro had told him there is a maiden living in Don Magnifico’s home worthy of being a princess. When Angelina enters, it is love at first sight (Duet: “Un soave non-so che”). 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, who invites them to the ball. Angelina begs her stepfather to attend but he, predictably, refuses her (Quintet: “Signor, una parola”). Ramiro notes her family’s cruelty. Alidoro, no longer in disguise, returns with knowledge about a third daughter in the household. Don Magnifico lies, saying 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 (“Là del ciel nell’arcano profondo”).
Dandini and Ramiro return to the Palace, confused by the stepsisters – neither of these women are the beautiful, kind soul Alidoro talked about? When Clorinda and Tisbe arrive, Dandini offers Ramiro (still dressed as a valet) as a consolation prize to whoever he does not marry. They’re disgusted at the idea of marrying below them. Alidoro arrives with a mysterious woman who looks suspiciously like Angelina.
ACT 2
Magnifico laments the threat this new potential bride poses (“Sia qualunque delle figlie”). Meanwhile, Dandini has started to follow Angelina like a lovesick puppy. 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…
Angelina, scared that he won’t want her after he discovers her true identity, informs him she is going home and if he truly loves her, he will find her. He lets her leave, with a newfound determination to marry her (“Sì, ritrovarla io giuro”).
Magnifico confronts “the prince”, insisting he must decide which of the stepsisters will be his bride. Dandini tries to maintain the charade but eventually, reveals the truth (Duet: “Un segreto d’importanza”).
A furious Magnifico returns home with his daughters as a thunderstorm begins. In an effort to play Cupid, Alidoro organises for Ramiro’s carriage to stop outside Magnifico’s home. Ramiro and Angelina immediately recognise each other while
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…
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