SAN ANTONIO, TX (September 14, 2026) — OPERA San Antonio (OSA) opens its 26/27 Season with Gioachino
Rossini’s comedy Cinderella, on October 15 and 17, 2026, at 7:30 PM in the H-E-B Performance Hall at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
A fairy tale told with wit rather than magic, Rossini’s Cinderella transforms the familiar story into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, romantic intrigue, outrageous comedy, and extraordinary vocal fireworks. OSA presents a vibrant new production from Lyric Opera of Kansas City, inspired by the playful sophistication and visual style of filmmaker Wes Anderson.
At the center of the story is Angelina, a young woman whose intelligence, generosity, and strength allow her to shape her own destiny. Without a fairy godmother, glass slipper, or pumpkin carriage, Rossini instead gives Cinderella something far more powerful: agency.
“Cinderella is pure operatic joy. Rossini gives us extraordinary music, brilliant comedy, and a
heroine whose kindness and intelligence ultimately determine her future. This production adds
an incredibly playful visual world to that mix, and I think it is the kind of evening that reminds
audiences just how much fun opera can be, especially with the all star cast we have
assembled.”
— E. Loren Meeker, Executive Director, OPERA San Antonio
CINDERELLA
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 7:30 PM
H-E-B Performance Hall
The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Music by Gioachino Rossini
Libretto by Jacopo Ferretti
Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.
Approximately three hours, including one intermission.
Presented in collaboration with The Orchestra San Antonio.
THE STORY
When Angelina (Cinderella) is mistreated by her stepfamily, fate intervenes through a series of disguises, mistaken identities, and unexpected opportunities. As Prince Ramiro searches for a bride who values character over status, Angelina finds herself navigating a world where appearances are rarely what they seem. Rossini’s sparkling retelling of the beloved fairy tale replaces magic with wit, heart, and the joyful triumph of a young woman who chooses her own future.
A WORLD-CLASS CAST
Internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack stars as Angelina, bringing her celebrated artistry to one of Rossini’s most virtuosic and beloved heroines.
She is joined by tenor Victor Robertson as Prince Ramiro and Grammy Award-winning baritone Will Liverman as Dandini, the prince’s valet, whose disguise creates much of the opera’s delicious comic confusion. Veteran comic bass-baritone Patrick Carfizzi brings his larger-than-life stage presence to Don Magnifico, Cinderella’s pompous and perpetually scheming stepfather.
The cast also features Katherine Henly as Clorinda, Lauryn Nelson as Tisbe, and Stefan Egerstrom as Alidoro, the philosopher whose carefully orchestrated interventions set Cinderella’s transformation in motion.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
OSA Music Director Francesco Milioto conducts The Orchestra San Antonio in Rossini’s effervescent score, filled with dizzying ensembles, rapid-fire comedy, and some of the most thrilling vocal writing in the operatic repertoire.
Stage Director Michael Shell brings the production’s colorful world to life, with scenic design by Steven Kemp,
costume design by Amanda Seymour, and lighting design by Driscoll Otto.
Together, the creative team creates a distinctive Cinderella filled with symmetry, saturated color, visual wit, and
theatrical surprise—a world inspired by the cinematic sophistication of Wes Anderson while remaining unmistakably Rossini.
AN OPERA FOR EVERYONE
With its recognizable fairy-tale story, irresistible comedy, projected English translations, and memorable music,
Cinderella is an ideal introduction to opera for first-time audiences while offering Rossini lovers the vocal brilliance and musical fireworks for which the composer is celebrated.
Before each performance, OSA will also offer OPERA Insights, a free pre-show lecture designed to give audiences additional context about the opera, its music, and the production. OPERA Insights begins one hour before curtain in the Tobin Center’s Feik Rotunda and is open to all ticket holders.
As a special treat, the lobby will be transformed into a sparkling world with opportunities for guests to take pictures in a carriage, purchase a glittering gem, or pose for a caricature artist.
On Saturday we hope families will make their night at the opera extra magical with Cinderella’s Fairytale Enchanted Adventure—a one-night-only pre-show experience designed especially for children ages 12 and under. Before Rossini’s Cinderella begins, young guests can embark on an interactive quest featuring hands-on activities, keepsakes, instrument exploration, backstage access, and more as they discover the magic of opera.
🎟 Saturday, October 17
👑 $15 per child
✨ Adults attend free with child admission
🎭 Available as an add-on with a Cinderella ticket purchase
TICKETS
Single tickets are on sale now.
Tobin Center Box Office: (210) 223-8624
Performances: October 15 & 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM
Venue: H-E-B Performance Hall, The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
Visit OperaSA.org or TobinCenter.org for tickets and additional information.
About OPERA San Antonio
OPERA San Antonio produces opera of uncompromising artistic quality and enriches the community through
educational outreach and social engagement. The company is committed to making opera relevant, inspirational,
and accessible to residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
