By Tim Smith [Baltimore Sun, 29 September 2009]

Just as Shirley Temple was good medicine for the Great Depression, comic operas by Rossini seem ideal diversions for the Great Recession. A couple of weeks ago, Washington National Opera revived the composer’s most famous work, “The Barber of Seville.” And, over the weekend, Opera Vivente jumped into its 12th season with another sparkler, ” Cinderella.”