WHAT: Washington National Opera announces the return of
M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield Cinderella
WHEN: Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Nationals Park
COST: Free community event
WHAT: live broadcast of family-friendly production of Rossini’s charming opera
“Pregame” entertainment and family events begin at 5 p.m.
The most popular of Washington National Opera’s community programs is M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield, during which an opera is broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House stage to the high-definition scoreboard at Nationals Park.
Last season’s simulcast drew more than 10,000 spectators to the ballpark—a sure sign that this is one event not to be missed!
This year’s offering is not your same old fairy tale Cinderella! Rossini’s romantic, comic opera has a few surprises.
This Cinderella is a clever girl, as we always knew she was, who seizes the opportunity to change her destiny. When the prince appears to announce he will choose a bride at a glamorous ball, she has no doubt that she will escape her impoverished stepfather’s castle and be free of her tyrannical stepsisters!
There are bracelets instead of glass slippers, a philosophical tutor in place of a fairy godmother, and six adorable dancing rats. All delightful—but what is dazzling is the witty characters, the rainbow bright costumes, and a bit of a surprise at the ending.
American mezzo soprano Isabel Leonard heads a cast of young talents in thrilling bel canto singing. The opera will be performed in Italian with easy-to-follow English subtitles.
See you at the opera!