Ozarks Lyric Opera (OLO) is proud to announce the grand opening of its 2026–27 season with one of the most delightful comic operas of all time: Gioachino Rossini’s Cinderella (La Cenerentola). This production marks OLO’s first fully-staged presentation of this masterpiece, promising a magical experience complete with world-class artistry, stunning period-accurate visuals, and a spectacular cast. The opera will be sung in Italian with English supertitles. 

Performances will be held at the historic Gillioz Theatre.

Performance Schedule

Friday, September 18th: Curtain at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, September 20th: Matinee performance with curtain at 2:30 pm (Doors open at 1:30 pm).

A Masterpiece Brought to Life

To bring this fairy tale to life, OLO has spared no expense in production quality. The company has partnered with the prestigious Sarasota Opera Costume Shop to bring period-accurate, Biedermeier-style garments to the stage, designed by the acclaimed Ed Kotanen.(Photo credit: Tim Fuller, Arizona Opera) To complement these exquisite costumes, OLO has secured hand-painted scenic drops from the renowned Backdrops by Charles H. Stewart, a Massachusetts studio with over 125 years of theatrical craftsmanship, ensuring a traditional and breathtaking visual backdrop. Photo credit: Charles H Stewart)

A World-Class Cast

The production features an extraordinary group of internationally recognized performers:

Angelina (Cenerentola): Sophia Maekawa, praised for her "supple and buttery voice" (The New Criterion).

Don Ramiro: Arnold Livingston Geis, noted for his "sizable lyric instrument" and "honeyed tone" (Opera Today).

Alidoro: Patrick Scully, acclaimed for his "pitch-perfect" performance and "burnished, expressive bass" (NJArts.net).

Clorinda: Oriana Geis-Falla, described by the Houston Press as "exquisite" and "hypnotizing."

Ticket Information & Special Offers

Opening Night on September 18th will be a special evening for the community. In addition to the performance, OLO will host the popular "Red Curtain Affair." Doors for the theatre will open at 6:00 pm, with the event beginning at 6:30 pm. Please note that the Red Curtain Affair requires a separate ticket. As a courtesy to our opening night guests, OLO is pleased to offer free valet parking.

Get Tickets Here

For the Sunday matinee, OLO is delighted to offer a special "Buy One Adult Ticket, Get One Child Ticket Free" promotion. Additionally, student rush and senior pricing are available for this production to ensure opera remains accessible to all community members.

"Each season, our goal is to elevate the operatic experience for audiences across the Ozarks," said Artistic Director Michael Spyres. "This year, we're presenting an extraordinary production that celebrates everything opera can be—from enchanting comedy to an unforgettable celebration of the human voice."

About Ozarks Lyric Opera

Ozarks Lyric Opera is dedicated to producing world-class opera and music theatre while nurturing emerging artists, engaging audiences through education and outreach, and enriching the cultural life of the Ozarks through exceptional live performance.

For tickets and more information, visit ozarkslyricopera.com or contact the Gillioz Theatre Box Office at 417-863-9491.