First time attendees to Gioachino Rossini’s opera “Cinderella” — or “La Cenerentola” by its Italian title — may be surprised to find there’s no mention of a glass slipper.

At the time of the opera’s 1817 debut in Rome, bare ankles weren’t allowed to be shown onstage. To bypass the censors, Cinderella’s famous glass slippers were replaced by a pair of matching bracelets.

It’s just one difference that audience members raised on the Disney version of the fairy tale may notice in Virginia Opera’s latest offering.

“This version is stripped of those magical elements,” says Lisa Marie Rogali, who stars in the Virginia Opera production coming to Richmond this weekend. “It’s more about the human connections that these characters make with each other.”

In Rossini’s rendition, the wicked stepmother is replaced by the wicked stepfather Don Magnifico. The fairy godmother is now Alidoro, a philosopher. And the prince is now disguised as a valet in order to find his true love without the trappings of his station in life.

“Anyone who is familiar with the story is not going to be disappointed. They’re still going to get the Cinderella that they’re expecting,” says director David Lefkowich. “I like to say that the magic is more in the music, rather than in the story.”

Rossini’s Cinderella is still the tale of a young girl who is mistreated by her stepfamily and finds true love by defying them.

“It’s a story that appeals to everybody,” Lefkowich says. “It’s a universal tale of love triumphing over all. We have this underdog character of Cinderella who we’re all rooting for. Even though her life is tough, she still smiles through the pain.”

Adam Turner, the opera’s artistic director and conductor of the show, says audiences will enjoy Rossini’s exciting, tuneful style. “The vocal writing is truly virtuosic,” he says. “The singers are singing in all ranges — the upper extension of their voices, the highest notes possible, and then some of the lowest notes in their range — at this fast, rapid velocity.”

Rogali, the mezzo-soprano who charmed Virginia Opera audiences in the title role of “Carmen” last fall, is making her role debut as Cinderella with this production.

“Vocal fireworks: that’s what you get with Rossini,” Rogali says. “The music is just incredible. You’ll hear everything from me singing from the depths of my voice, down in the basement, all the way up to the stratosphere with tons of coloratura. It’s bel canto singing, and it’s very expressive.”

Rogali has a fan in Turner. “She’s fantastic,” he raves. “She’s a true bel canto singer with this really dynamic agility and color and range.”

Turner also lauds David Walton, the tenor playing the prince, Don Ramiro. Walton previously performed the role in Virginia Opera’s 2020 production of the work. “He really is one of the best Rossini tenors out there,” Turner says. “He’s returning, and I think his voice has only improved. It’s aging like a fine wine.”

Rogali says “Cinderella” balances humor and romance in retelling this classic tale. “A show like this will warm your heart,” she says. “It’s funny and heartfelt, and it reminds us to be compassionate.”

For its part, Virginia Opera’s compassion has extended to government employees: the nonprofit has announced that workers who have been impacted by federal shutdown can request two free tickets per person to see the opera.

Turner says “Cinderella” appeals to both seasoned operagoers and newcomers alike.

“This is just the perfect opera for people of all ages,” Turner says. “If you’re looking for that gateway to giving your grandchild or niece or nephew their first operative experience, it’s a fast-paced, energetic, highly entertaining, funny and wonderful first time.”

For Lefkowich, the show’s charms are obvious: “Magnificent music, hilarious comedy, and the sweetest love story ever told,” he says. “If you want to have an evening where you feel great and leave the opera singing wonderful tunes, this is the show for you.”

Virginia Opera’s “Cinderella” plays Nov. 14 and 16 at the Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center. For more information visit vaopera.org or call 866-673-7282.