On Friday evening, Portland Opera presented a lively and enchanting version of La Cenerentola (Cinderella), with Angela Niederloh in the title role. The production has a lot going for it with young, vibrant singers in all of the roles, but the orchestra was sometimes too loud in the first act, especially when Niederloh had to motor down into her lower range. Tenor Michael Colvin as the Don Ramiro (the Prince) also sang well, but had to hold when he reached his uppermost notes. I heard some great singing from Steven Condy as Don Magnifico, Derrick Parker as Alidoro, and Sharin Apostolou and Hannah Sharene Penn as Cinderella's mean sisters. But it was Morgan Smith in the role of Dandini, the Prince's valet, who almost stole the show.
This production featured new scenery built for Portland Opera, and it worked well except of the Prince's palace, which just didn't look opulent enough. I'd say more, but I have to write a review for Opera magazine (London). Overall, I can heartily recommend this production, and you have the benefit of seeing Niederloh and her colleagues at the beginning of what might be long and noteworthy careers.
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