Catch a Seattle Opera preview of “Cinderella” (“La Cenerentola”) at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 at the Bainbridge Public Library.

Brisk, catchy and highly entertaining, Rossini’s uniquely Italian retelling of the ultimate rags-to-riches story cleverly blends tenderness and frivolity to fabulous effect. Kicking off with a first-class overture, the comedic love story sails through flowery ensembles, ridiculous situations, and a lovely cavatina or two en route to a fairy tale finale.

The program will be presented by opera aficionado Norm Hollingshead.

The free program is funded by the Bainbridge Island Friends of the Library.