Classic Christmas opera brought to life in Fayetteville

Gather ‘round children, Christmas is almost here, and the season opens on the south side of Atlanta next week with Southern Crescent Chorale’s presentation of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

A tuneful, charming Christmas classic, “Amahl” is an excellent way to introduce opera, as a genre, to children. The opera, in one act, was written and composed by Gian Carlo Menotti for NBC Studios, which aired the first performance of the production live on Christmas Eve in 1951. It became the first Christmas special to become an annual television tradition, with shows broadcast on or around Christmas Eve until 1966.

Full of humor, wonder and drama, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is the story of a disabled boy whose reputation for lying makes his mother more than dubious when he tells her one evening that he has seen an amazing star “as big as a window.” Later that night, three splendidly dressed kings (the Magi) knock at their door and ask if they can rest at the home for the evening. The kings explain they are on a long journey to present gifts to a wondrous child, whom the mother suspects may be her son.

While the mother is out gathering the neighbors so that they may help entertain and feed these distinguished guests, Amahl questions the kings about their lives. Later that night, the mother attempts to steal gold meant for the Christ child, but is thwarted by the kings’ page. One of the kings, realizing the precarious plight of the impoverished mother and child, says that she may keep the gold because the Holy Child will not need earthly power or wealth to build his kingdom.

The mom, hearing of the child’s greatness, says she would love to send Him a gift but that she has nothing to give. Amahl, too, has nothing to give the Christ child except his crutch, but he offers it, and as he does so, his leg is healed, and he joyfully leaves his mother and goes off with the three kings to see the child and give thanks.

Southern Crescent Chorale’s conductor and founder Janice Folsom is musical and stage director of the production next week. Nathan Pearson, a seventh grade honor student at Booth Middle School in Peachtree City, is playing the role of Amahl.
Amahl’s mother is played by Amber Harris, a featured soloists with Tara Winds who recently released her first album entitled “Part of You.”

Balthazar, one of the three kings, is played by Christopher Deraney, who recently graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance. He earned first place in his category at the National Teacher’s of Singing competition in 2005 and is participating in the Peachtree Players production of “Amahl” this month as well.

The role of King Melchior is played by Dean Byrd, who has appeared in a variety of musical productions since childhood and who excelled in the music program at Fayette County High school before earning a full four year scholarship for voice at the University of Georgia.

Reid Spearman will be performing in the role of Kaspar. Spearman has been performing on stage in small productions since high school. He travelled with the choral ensemble “Celebration” while a student at the University of Georgia and continues exercising his talents in local church choirs and as a member of the Chorale.

The principle cast rounds out with Trevor Martin, cast in the role of the kings’ page, and Bridgette Duncan, who plays a local girl who dances for the kings. Martin has been appearing in church performances since playing baby Jesus and is a second year member of the Select Chorus and Quartet from Fayette County High School. Duncan is a member of the Fayette Dance Theatre and a senior at Jonesboro High School.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” will be performed at the F.A. Sams Auditorium, 205 Lafayette Ave. in Fayetteville, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18, at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door, in advance from any Chorale member or at By Invitation Only on the square downtown in Fayetteville.

Adult tickets are is $15. Seniors, age 60 and up, and students are admitted for $12. Group discounts of $2 per ticket are available but must be purchased in advance.

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