Union Avenue Opera Presents Holiday Production 'Amahl and the Night Visitors' December 10, 11, & 12

Union Avenue Opera continues its annual holiday tradition next weekend with Gian-Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors. Journey back in time to the Middle East during the first century, and meet the young, crippled shepherd Amahl, and his widowed mother. Their lives are changed forever by a mysterious star in the night sky and the arrival of three kings seeking a wondrous child. What follows is an enduring tale of the power of faith and how ordinary kindness leads to miracles. Amahl and the Night Visitors is sure to captivate audiences of every generation.

The cast of Amahl and the Night Visitors will feature Ricky Johnson and John Schultz alternating the role of Amahl (Johnson on Thur/Sat; Schultz on Fri/Sun). Mezzo-soprano Holly Wrensch returns to sing the role of Amahl’s Mother. Most recently seen as Tchaplitsky in Pikovaya Dama, Tenor Clark Sturdevant sings King Kaspar. UAO veteran Baritone Robert Reed sings King Melchior. Making his UAO debut, Bass-Baritone Todd Payne sings King Balthazar. Tenor Philip Touchette will sing The Page. A chorus of local singers and dancers rounds out the cast.

Last season, UAO opened its doors to 569 school children to a complimentary Thursday matinee performance and will do so again this year on December 9th at 10am. Inquire with the company for ticket availability.

Amahl and the Night Visitors runs December 10 (8pm), 11 (5pm) and 12 (3pm). Tickets range $15-$47 and are available by contacting the Union Avenue Opera Box Office at 314.361.2881 or visiting http://www.unionavenueopera.org/ The opera was commissioned especially for television and was first performed by NBC Television Opera Theatre in 1951. It will be presented in its original English language at Union Avenue Opera, 733 North Union Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108 and has a run time of approximately 50 minutes.