Toledo Opera has been approved for a $20,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support Cinderella. This project will support Toledo Opera’s 2023-24 season opening production of Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola) by composer Gioachino Rossini and librettist Jacopo Ferretti, and public community programs. Toledo Opera’s project is among 1,130 projects across the country, totaling more than $31 million, that were selected during this second round of Grants for Arts Projects fiscal year 2023 funding.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is pleased to support a wide range of projects, including Toledo Opera’s Cinderella, demonstrating the many ways the arts enrich our lives and contribute to healthy and thriving communities,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD. “These organizations play an important role in advancing the creative vitality of our nation and helping to ensure that all people can benefit from arts, culture, and design.”
“Toledo Opera is honored by the National Endowment for the Arts’ ongoing support, which enables us to work closely in partnership with the Toledo community,” shared Toledo Opera Executive Director, Suzanne Rorick. “We are Toledo’s opera company, and without support from institutions like the NEA, we would not have the 65- year reputation of artistic excellence that we do.”
About Cinderella: Never before seen by Toledo Opera audiences, the beloved tale of Cinderella meets operatic delight in this Rossini hit. Based on the iconic children’s story, Angelina (Cinderella) sweeps the floors while her farcical stepsisters try on dresses, vying for the extremely eligible Prince Ramiro’s hand in marriage. With a twist of fate, Angelina meets Prince Ramiro. Charmed by her goodness, he knows he has found his soulmate. Amid household chaos, squabbling family members, and mistaken identities, Angelina’s honesty and forthrightness bring this story to its rightful and hilarious conclusion. The cast of Cinderella will be led by Sara Coit as Angelina, who has been described as having an undeniable aptitude for physical comedy. David Walton will sing the role of Prince Ramiro and has a well-established repertoire of comedic roles. Both of these artists will bring the vocal prowess required along with comedic portrayals of their characters. La Cenerentola will be directed by Marc Verzatt, Mr. Verzatt has an extensive history with Toledo Opera, having directed La Traviata and Turandot for the company.
Rossini’s charming take on the classic Cinderella story will engage Toledo audiences of all ages. Community engagement activities will be guided by family-friendly programming centered on introducing younger audiences to opera.
For more information on other projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news. To learn more about Toledo Opera’s season, visit toledoopera.org. For media access, please contact Rachael Cammarn at rcammarn@toledoopera.org.
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