Act I
In a hall of Don Magnifico’s castle, his vain daughters Clorinda and Tisbe are primping. Their stepsister, Cinderella, consoles herself with a song about a king who chose a kind-hearted bride (‘Una volta c’era un re’). A beggar (actually Prince Ramiro’s tutor Alidoro) comes in; Cinderella gives him some breakfast, angering the stepsisters. The prince’s courtiers enter, announcing the imminent arrival of the prince himself, who at a ball will choose the most beautiful woman as his wife. The ensuing excitement generates great confusion. The knights leave; so does the ‘beggar’, foretelling that Cinderella will be happy by the next day. Quarrelling for the privilege of telling their father the good news, Clorinda and Tisbe awaken him. Don Magnifico interprets a dream he was just having as a prediction of his fortune: the impoverished baron’s vision of himself as grandfather of kings is apparently confirmed by his daughters’ announcement (‘Miei rampolli femminini’).
On the suggestion of his mentor Alidoro, Ramiro has exchanged clothing with his attendant, Dandini. When the disguised prince enters the house, he and Cinderella fall in love immediately (‘Un soave non so che’). Dandini arrives, awkwardly playing the prince (‘Come un’ape ne’ giorni d’aprile’). Clorinda and Tisbe are introduced to him. Cinderella begs her stepfather to take her to the ball (‘Signor, una parola’), but Magnifico orders her to stay at home. Alidoro, with a list of the unmarried women of the region, asks Don Magnifico about a third daughter; he says she died. Everyone is confused. Later Alidoro reveals his identity to Cinderella and invites her to the ball, alluding to a change in her fortunes (‘Là del ciel’). At the palace Dandini and Ramiro share their impressions from Magnifico’s daughters. Clorinda and Tisbe scornfully mistreat Ramiro, believing him to be Dandini’s servant. All are enchanted by the arrival of a mysterious lady. When she unveils herself they are struck by her uncanny resemblance to Cinderella.
Act II
Magnifico imagines himself the prince’s father-in-law and as his wine steward proclaims new drinking laws. Ramiro overhears Cinderella refusing Dandini’s attentions because she loves his “squire”. Ramiro asks her to be his, but she gives him a bracelet, saying he will find her wearing its twin. If he still likes her then, she will marry him. Ramiro reassumes his princely role and is determined to look for Cinderella.
Dandini encourages Magnifico’s fantasies, and then reveals his real identity (‘Un segreto d’importanza’). Returning home, the sisters find Cinderella by the fire and berate her because she looks like the lady at the ball. Alidoro arranges a storm and causes an accident for the prince's carriage, which overturns in front of the house. Cinderella and Ramiro recognize each other (‘Siete voi’), and everyone expresses amazement (‘Questo è un nodo avviluppato’). Ramiro whisks Cinderella away, while Alidoro triumphs. At the wedding banquet Cinderella intercedes with the prince for Magnifico and her stepsisters. She reflects on how her fate has changed (‘Nacqui all’affanno, al pianto’).