Great performances create happy endings

A preview of Massenet’s opera Cendrillon (Cinderella), was given by CIM voice students Mark Wanich (Cinderella’s father), Nathaniel Hein (Prince Charming), Alexandra Schiano (Cinderella), Rebecca Skirpan (Stepmother), and Zoe Schumann (Fairy Godmother).
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In the season of witches, goblins and all things scary, a magic spell of sheer beauty was cast by five outstanding voices over the audience gathered at Westlake Porter Public Library to hear delightful samples from Massenet’s "Cendrillon" (Cinderella) on Oct. 18. 

The program, presented by the Cleveland Institute of Music, was a preview of CIM’s upcoming production of Massenet’s opera. It also marked the beginning of the 21st year of FYI: Opera programs offered free to the public by the Westlake-Westshore Arts Council.

David Bamberger, CIM’s Director of Opera Theater, presided over the program with the ease and skill of one who knows the subject and has presented FYI: Opera programs from its onset 21 years ago.

Brilliantly accompanied on the piano by CIM music director John Simmons, the voice students perfectly matched their voices and manners to the roles. Although the performers sang in the opera’s original language of French, their expressive facial and body language was easily read.  

The first aria was sung by mezzo soprano Rebecca Skirpan as the stepmother, who Bamberger described as “not so wicked as bizarre.” Skirpan’s great voice and delivery were a wonderful introduction to Massenet’s music.

Massenet includes Cinderella’s father in his story. Baritone Mark Wanich portrayed and capably sung the tormented father and dominated husband. Zoe Schumann, as the Fairy Godmother, proved her lovely soprano voice includes very high notes as she expressed her need to take a hand in Cinderella’s situation.

Prince Charming, tenor Nathaniel Heim, made his appearance and sang about the girl of his dreams, who he has yet to meet. Then Cinderella (Alexandra Schiano) arrives and dialogue is sung between the two leading into a duet, which was beautifully performed. Arias by the stepmother and Cinderella and a duet by Cinderella and her father, precede the happy ending sung by the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella and the Prince.

These talented presenters had no problem convincing the FYI: Opera audience about happy endings and indeed encouraged many to plan on seeing CIM’s complete and fully staged performances. For information and tickets for CIM’s Nov. 9 and 12 opera production visit www.cim.edu or call CIM at 216-791-5000, ext. 411.