Union Avenue Opera Presents Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" This Weekend

Union Avenue Opera adds to St. Louis' flourishing holiday music scene this weekend with Gian-Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, opening Friday evening. 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. It’s also a perfect way to bring the family together!

St. Charles native Ricky Johnson, veteran of UAO’s production, returns to sing the title role of Amahl. Last seen in her critically acclaimed performance as Mrs. Patrick DeRocher in this summer's Dead Man Walking, Mezzo-soprano Debra Hillabrand makes her role debut as Amahl’s Mother. Also fresh from their appearances in Dead Man Walking are Tenor Clark Sturdevant as King Kaspar and Baritone Robert Reed as King Melchior. Returning after his company debut in the 2010 production, 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. No stranger to UAO, Allyson Ditchey serves as stage director. UAO Artistic Director and Conductor Scott Schoonover will conduct a chamber orchestra.

Last season, UAO opened its doors to school children for a complimentary Thursday matinee performance and will do so again this year on December 8th at 10am. Inquire with the company for ticket availability.

Join fellow opera patrons for a FREE opening night lecture on Amahl and the Night Visitors in the UACC Fellowship Hall on Friday, December 9th at 7pm. Non-ticket buyers welcome.

Amahl and the Night Visitors runs December 9th (8pm), 10th (5pm) and 11th (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. The production will be performed in English with projected supertitles at Union Avenue Opera, 733 North Union Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108 and has a run time of approximately 50 minutes.

Preview of UAO's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" Opening Tonight

Union Avenue Opera continues its annual holiday tradition in presenting Gian-Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors, which opens this evening. Enjoy an audiovisual preview of the current revival below:

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/ For more details on this production, view this previous post.

Join Dr. Glen Bauer in the UACC Chapel at 7:15pm on Friday, December 10, 2010 for a brief insight on the history behind Amahl and the Night Visitors. This lecture is presented free of charge. Non-ticket buyers welcome.

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.

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.

Interview with 'Amahl' Director Tim Ocel

Operatic Saint Louis recently interviewed Tim Ocel, stage director of Union Avenue Opera’s holiday production Amahl and the Night Visitors. Ocel’s directing credits include work at diverse venues such as Opera Theatre St. Louis, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Sacramento Theatre Company and Boston Lyric Opera. He has also served on the faculty of the University of Kansas-Lawrence, directing several mainstage operas. Amahl and the Night Visitors marks his first production with Union Avenue Opera.

Operatic Saint Louis: Amahl and the Night Visitors has become a beloved holiday piece since its television debut on NBC in 1951. What qualities and themes of this piece resonate with you as a viewer and director?

Tim Ocel: Whether I’m directing or as audience member I always like a good, clear story and Amahl is extremely clear and simple. The music is quite touching and very appropriate for the dramatic situations. The dramaturgy of the libretto is smart.

Thematically, I love the idea that people are given a second chance. Whether you can call that specifically “redemption” I’m not sure; the Amahl story isn’t as clearly a redemption story as A Christmas Carol. But anytime someone is given a second chance, I’m overjoyed. And the Kings are journeying to visit a child who will give a message of peace to the world. I like that. (Whether we listen to that message is another story.)

OSL: Another Menotti opera, The Saint of Bleecker Street, deals with spirituality and miracles just as in Amahl. How do you think Menotti’s Italian-Catholic background influences the Amahl libretto, if at all?

TO: It’s definitely there—the Catholicism—and the Italian emotion. I suspect there is a bit of borrowing of form and formula from Italian verismo operas, particularly Cavalleria Rusticana. “All that gold” has a similar arc to “Voi lo sapete” and the same passion. Both Santuzza and The Mother in Amahl have the same vocal range and are sung by both sopranos and mezzos. The opera also seems influenced by de Sica’s film The Bicycle Thief (1948).

There is pageantry both in the Journey of the Kings and in the March of the Kings into the hut and there is a good sense of mystery throughout; pageantry and mystery are certainly elements of the Catholic Church. And faith.

Both in The Saint of Bleecker Street and Amahl the “choir of angels” close harmonies that Menotti employs are very moving. They pull at you. This is Italian opera, musically and emotionally, though he writes with English text.

Patrick Blackwell (Balthazar), Robert Boldin (Kaspar), Robert Garner (Melchior) and Holly Wrensch (Mother) in rehearsal

OSL: Menotti’s score never lacks for tuneful, accessible arias and ensembles. Among them, do you have any particular favorites?

TO: Hands down my favorite piece is the quartet sung by the Kings and the Mother “Have you seen a child”. Its placement in the middle of the opera and its dramatic importance makes it the musical and emotional heart of the evening. I like the descending theme, the harmonies, the poetry, and the dramatic conflict. The Kings are in harmony; the Mother is in turmoil. It rips me up.

OSL: Do any of the arias or ensembles pose a particular challenge staging-wise?

TO: Since the opera was written for the TV Studio, the biggest challenge in this live staging is to keep the boy Amahl in focus and engaged in the action but also in a position in which we can hear and understand what he’s saying. It’s interesting that the boy who hobbles around on a crutch most of the evening is the one with the most action.

The above-mentioned quartet is difficult to stage because it’s poetically based. It’s difficult for the actors to find a thru line. Is this the concertato? Why do they keep repeating? Are they listening to each other or not? We’ve tried to figure it out.

OSL: Menotti expressly states in the vocal score that the role of Amahl must be sung by a young boy. This challenges a production team to find musically proficient, charismatic young singer-actors. What did UAO look for most importantly in casting the alternating Amahls?

TO: It really does need to be a boy playing Amahl to work dramatically. The most important quality was a good voice; coupled with savvy musicianship—someone who can count and is good with rhythms; the role has it’s difficulties. And he does shoulder the opera all by himself at times. We also wanted a boy who could be expressive and move naturally; an actor!

OSL: How has it been to work with Ricky Johnson and John Schultz [pictured above], the two boys singing Amahl?

TO: They’ve been great. Both of them learned blocking quickly and then adapted rapidly as I would change it; they have good questions, they’re good company members, and they are both disciplined and attentive. They also seem to enjoy being on stage and, for the most part, understand the task of telling a clear story. The acting is coming along. They are learning to listen on stage, which is the hardest thing an actor can do. They’ve developed a nice rapport with Holly and the guys—but particularly Holly Wrensch, the Mother. Amahl and his Mom are a little team in this life and at the beginning of the opera the team is falling apart, and Amahl pulls the team back together. He loves her and cares for her. Holly’s been wonderful with them; she’s very genuine.

Operatic Saint Louis: What would your “sales pitch” be to those still unsure about attending this holiday production?

Tim Ocel: Even if you aren’t in a Christmas mood, you should come hear this small, lovely story. The production is simply told and beautifully sung. You really won’t be disappointed. And for those of you with kids this would be a very good intro to opera for them since its main character is a 10 year-old boy and the piece is short—50 minutes/no intermission.

Amahl and the Night Visitors runs December 11, 12 and 13. Performances begin at 8pm Friday/Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Tickets range $25-$47; $15 for children. For tickets & more information on the opera, call Dana Stone at 314.361.2881 or visit http://www.unionavenueopera.org/

"Amahl and the Night Visitors" Opens This Weekend

Union Avenue Opera presents Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors for the first time this weekend. Journey back in time to the Middle East during the first century, and meet the young, crippled shepherd Amahl, and his mother. One mysterious night, a knock at their door reveals three kings on a long journey. Will Amahl’s mother’s dream of a better life for her disabled son be answered? Discover the kings’ wondrous generosity and Amahl’s selflessness as a miracle ensues.

UAO’s Artistic Director and Conductor Scott Schoonover has collaborated with stage director Tim Ocel—known for his work at OTSL, New Opera St. Louis and the University of Kansas—to present this holiday favorite. The crew also includes Allyson Ditchey (stage manager), Jennifer Medina (choreographer) and designers Tina McCartney (costumes), Jonathan Loesch (sets) and Patrick Huber (lighting).

Ricky Johnson and John Schultz alternate the role of Amahl (Johnson on Thur/Sat; Schultz on Fri/Sun). Mezzo-soprano Holly Wrensch, last seen as Filipyevna in 2003’s Eugene Onegin, sings the role of Amahl’s Mother. Making his Union Avenue Opera debut, Tenor Robert Boldin sings King Kaspar. Baritone Robert Garner, most recently seen as Count Almaviva in 2006’s Le Nozze di Figaro, sings King Melchior. Bass-Baritone Patrick Blackwell returns after his engagement as Ferrando in this summer’s Il Trovatore to sing King Balthazar. Tenor Philip Touchette, last seen as the Fortune Teller in Lakmé will sing The Page. A chorus of local singers and dancers rounds out the cast.

School groups are invited to attend a FREE Student Matinee production on December 10 at 10am. Fox Charitable Performing Arts Foundation and the Boeing Employee Community Fund sponsor this event. Seating is limited. Inquire with the company for availability.

Amahl and the Night Visitors runs December 11, 12 and 13. Performances begin at 8pm Friday/Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Tickets range $25-$47; $15 for children. For tickets & more information on the opera as well as the Student Matinee, call Dana Stone at 314.361.2881 or visit http://www.unionavenueopera.org/

UAO to present Menotti’s "Amahl and the Night Visitors"

This December, Union Avenue Opera launches a new holiday tradition with its production of 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 mother. One mysterious night, a knock at their door reveals three kings on a long journey. Will Amahl’s Mother's dream of a better life for her disabled son be answered? Discover the kings’ wondrous generosity and Amahl’s selflessness as a miracle ensues.

In addition to three performances, UAO will present a FREE matinee production for school groups only on December 10th at 10am. Students will take a tour of the opera company, learn about opera, and see a fully staged performance. Fox Charitable Performing Arts Foundation and the Boeing Employee Community Fund sponsor this event.

Amahl and the Night Visitors runs December 11, 12 and 13. Performances begin at 8pm on Friday/Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $25-$47 with a $15 child ticket.

For tickets & more information on the opera as well as the December 10th Student Matinee, call Dana Stone at 314.361.2881 or visit http://www.unionavenueopera.org/