Opera Theater

PRESENTS

UTRGV OPERA THEATER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9TH, 7 PM UTRGV PAC, EDINBURG

PROGRAM UTRGV Opera Theater presents

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS

by Gian Carlo Mennoti (1911-2007) Amahl and the Night Visitors is an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti with an original English libretto by the composer. It was commissioned by NBC and first performed by the NBC Opera Theatre on December 24, 1951, in New York City at NBC Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, where it was broadcast live on television from that venue as the debut production of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. It was the first opera specifically composed for television in the United States.

SYNOPSIS Based on Italian folk tales of the Nativity and Epiphany, Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors is a retelling of the story of the Magi from the point of view of a young disabled boy named Amahl, who lives in poverty with his widowed mother near Bethlehem. He sees a bright star in the sky one night and tells his mother to go look, but she brushes him off, buried in concern over their bleak future and lack of means with which to support themselves. That night, three kings come across their meager hut and seek shelter, for they have traveled long and far following the star of which Amahl had spoken. They bring with them treasure and gifts to give to “the Child” who has just been born and who will reign over all. Blinded by the lure of the gold and what it could do for her family. the Mother attempts to steal just a bit of the treasure, but is caught red-handed. What no one expects is a gift far greater than gold--blessed by the Child, Amahl finds himself suddenly cured of his disability. A vivid and accessible tale originally created for television, Amahl and the Night Visitors is a perfect first opera--or hundredth!

CAST Amahi Elyssia Razo Mother Kaylee Lopez Page Layevska Golinsky King Kaspar Elijah Adame King Melchior Adam Garcia King Balthazar Cristian Contreras

Featuring: PSJA Memorial Early College High School Choir Marilu Manzano, Director PSJA Audie Murphy Middle School Choir Maria Avalos, Director Dr. Shoko Kinsella, piano Francisco Rocafuerte, UTRGV Opera Workshop Artistic Director

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