By Jill Yesko, University Relations
Contact (336) 334-3890
Posted 11-29-06
GREENSBORO, NC – “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Gian-Carlo Menotti’s inspiring opera about a poor, disabled boy and his mother who are paid an unexpected visit by the Three Wise Men, will be presented by the UNCG Opera Theatre.
Performances will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 19-20, at Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Rd. in Greensboro at 7:30 p.m.
This year’s performances will mark the ninth time the opera has been staged by the School of Music at UNCG.
“I am very pleased that we are presenting ‘Amahl’ closer to Christmas this year,” said David Holley, director of the UNCG Opera Theatre. “With Aycock Auditorium undergoing renovations, we reached out into the community to Westover Church and their brand new, beautiful facility. The capacity of over 2,800 seats will enable us to offer a special matinee to over 1,000 school children on Tuesday morning.”
The role of Amahl will be performed by Zach Wiener of Greensboro and Adam Howell of High Point. The role of the mother will be shared by Kimberly Dunn and Candace Burrows, with Jonathan Blalock, Conor Angell and Hayden Dawes taking the stage as the Three Wise Men.
Marsha Paludan, associate professor of Theatre at UNCG, will serve as stage director and choreographer for the event.
Composed and performed in English, “Amahl” is one of the most beloved contemporary operas. Italian composer Gian-Carlo Menotti wrote the one-act opera specifically for television. It premiered on Christmas Eve, 1951 and was repeated for 16 holiday seasons thereafter.
“’Amahl’ has had a special place in my heart since I sang the title role in eighth grade,” said Holley. “’Amahl’ has a way of grabbing and holding onto your heart years after you first encounter it.”
Ticket prices are $15 adults, $11 seniors, $6 students. For more information contact the School of Music box office at (336) 334-4849, or visit http://opera.uncg.edu.
