Massenet: Cendrillon (2018)
The Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD recording of Massenet's magical Cinderella, starring Joyce DiDonato in a spellbinding performance.
Massenet: Cendrillon - Movie Information
- Original Title: Massenet: Cendrillon
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Gary Halvorson, Laurent Pelly
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Music
- Runtime: 2h 22m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 28, 2018 (United States), December 1, 2018 (South Korea - 전체관람가)
- Alternative Titles: The Metropolitan Opera: Cendrillon (US)
- Production Companies: The Metropolitan Opera
- Production Countries: United States of America
Massenet: Cendrillon - Plot
The 2017–18 Live in HD season concluded with an enchanted performance of Cendrillon, Massenet's glittering operatic adaptation of the Cinderella story. This charming staging by Laurent Pelly, which bursts to life with the director's characteristic wit and whimsy, stars American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato as the title outcast-turned-princess. Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote offers a touching portrayal of the pants role Prince Charming, while soprano Kathleen Kim shines as the Fairy Godmother. Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe, as the outlandish Madame de la Haltière, and bass-baritone Laurent Naouri, as the haggard Pandolfe, round out the principal cast. On the podium, conductor Bertrand de Billy leads a performance that is equal parts madcap comedy and heartfelt romance.
Massenet: Cendrillon - Trailer
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Massenet: Cendrillon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gary Halvorson
- Laurent Pelly
Main Cast
- Joyce DiDonato
- Stephanie Blythe
- Laurent Naouri
- Kathleen Kim
- Alice Coote
- Maya Lahyani
- Ailyn Pérez
- David Leigh
- Petr Nekoranec
- Jeongcheol Cha
Writers
- Henri Cain
Producers
- Victoria Warivonchik
- Louisa Briccetti
Massenet: Cendrillon - FAQs
What is Massenet: Cendrillon about?
Massenet: Cendrillon is the Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD recording of Jules Massenet's operatic take on Cinderella. Joyce DiDonato stars as the downtrodden heroine, with Alice Coote as Prince Charming and Kathleen Kim as the Fairy Godmother. Laurent Pelly's staging blends wit, whimsy, and genuine romantic warmth.
Is Massenet's Cendrillon different from other Cinderella operas?
Yes, Massenet's 1899 Cendrillon stands apart from Rossini's La Cenerentola by leaning into fairy-tale magic and lush late-Romantic orchestration. It features a Fairy Godmother with dazzling coloratura, a pants-role Prince Charming sung by a mezzo-soprano, and a dreamy, enchanted atmosphere that feels closer to a storybook than a comic opera.
Where can you stream Massenet: Cendrillon?
You can stream Massenet: Cendrillon on Stingray Classica, available as an Amazon Channel subscription. It's a great option for opera lovers looking to enjoy the full Met Live in HD experience from home.
Why does a mezzo-soprano sing Prince Charming?
Prince Charming in Massenet's Cendrillon is written as a pants role — a male character traditionally sung by a female voice, specifically a mezzo-soprano. This operatic convention, common since the Baroque era, gives the prince a tender, androgynous quality. Alice Coote brings deep emotional nuance to the role in this Met production.
Who are the main singers in this Met production?
The cast is led by Joyce DiDonato as Cendrillon and Alice Coote as Prince Charming. Kathleen Kim dazzles as the Fairy Godmother, while Stephanie Blythe brings comic flair as the outlandish stepmother Madame de la Haltière. Laurent Naouri rounds out the principals as the gentle, weary Pandolfe.
Who directed and conducted this Cendrillon production?
Laurent Pelly directed the original Met staging, celebrated for its playful wit and visual inventiveness. Gary Halvorson directed the Live in HD film broadcast. On the podium, conductor Bertrand de Billy guided the Met Orchestra through Massenet's score with equal measures of comedy and heartfelt romance.
Is Massenet: Cendrillon suitable for opera newcomers?
Absolutely. This production is one of the most accessible and visually delightful entries in the Met's Live in HD series. The familiar Cinderella story makes it easy to follow even without prior opera experience, and Laurent Pelly's whimsical staging keeps things lively and entertaining throughout the nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime.
What language is Massenet: Cendrillon performed in?
The opera is performed entirely in French, as Massenet composed it. The Met Live in HD broadcast includes English subtitles, making it easy to follow the story whether you're a French speaker or not.
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