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By Michelle Hines, University Relations
'Amahl and the Night Visitors' is an Opera Theatre tradition.
Posted 10-31-08
GREENSBORO — “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 Friday-Saturday, Nov. 21-22, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 23 at 2 p.m. in Aycock Auditorium.
This year’s performances will mark the 10th time the opera has been staged by the School of Music.
“I am thrilled that we are presenting ‘Amahl’ in Aycock Auditorium this year,” said David Holley, director of the UNCG Opera Theatre. “Now that its renovations are complete, Aycock is better as a venue for opera than ever before, and it will be a nice way for UNCG Opera Theatre to mark its return there.”
The role of Amahl will be performed by local Greensboro boys, Eli Whitehouse and Clark Spillane. The role of the mother will be shared by Kate Farrar and Kate Jackson, with Charles Williamson, Lindell Carter, Ishan Johnson, Michael Thomas and Edward Clegg taking the stage as the Three Wise Men.
Holley is producing the show and will conduct the performances, while two graduate students are taking on pivotal roles: Candice Burrows (who sang the part of the Mother in 2006) is the stage director and Garrett Saake is preparing the shepherd’s chorus.
Composed and performed in English, “Amahl” is one of the most beloved and frequently performed contemporary operas. 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 for non-UNCG students and $5 for UNCG students. For more information contact the School of Music box office at (336) 334-4849, or visit http://opera.uncg.edu.