Act I

Alidoro begins to write his memoirs telling the true story of Cinderella.

Clorinda and Thisbe, daughters of Don Magnifico, are in the middle of their morning ablutions and usual arguments. Their stepsister Angelina, called Cenerentola, serves as the family maid. As she cleans, she sings her favorite story, about a king who finds true love with a peasant girl. Alidoro, tutor to the prince Don Ramiro, enters, dressed as a beggar, to test the kindness of the sisters. The stepsisters disgusted, send him away, but Cenerentola gives him bread and coffee. Courtiers announce that Ramiro will soon pay a visit: he is looking for the most beautiful girl in the land and will hold ball to choose his bride. Magnifico hopes that it will be one his daughters. He knows marriage to a wealthy man is the only way to save his fortune. When everybody has left to prepare for the prince’s arrival, Ramiro enters alone, dressed in his servant’s clothes so he can freely observe the prospective brides. Cenerentola returns, startled by Ramiro. The two are immediately attracted to each other. When asking who she is, Cenerentola in a confused state, tries to explain but runs away. Finally, the “prince” arrives – who is actually Ramiro’s valet, Dandini, in disguise. Magnifico, Clorinda, and Thisbe fall over themselves flattering him, and he invites them to the ball. Cenerentola asks to go to the ball but Magnifico refuses. Ramiro notes how Magnifico treats Cenerentola. Alidoro reminds them there should be a third sister in the house, but Magnifico claims she has died. Left alone with Cenerentola, Alidoro tells her he will take her to the ball and explains that God will reward her for her good heart.

Dandini shares his negative opinion of the two sisters with the prince. But both men are confused, since Alidoro has spoken well of one of Magnifico’s daughters. Clorinda and Thisbe appear again, following Dandini, who still pretends to be the prince. Dandini then offers Ramiro as a husband to the sister that he, the prince, does not marry. The sisters are outraged at the idea of marrying a servant. Alidoro enters with a beautiful unknown lady who, strangely, resembles Cenerentola. Unable to make sense of the situation, they all sit down to supper, feeling as if in a dream.