Classic Christmas opera brought to life in Fayetteville

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it comes the Southern Crescent Chorale’s production of the tuneful and charming Christmas classic, “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” This weekend audiences will marvel at the local talent comprising the chorale and their presentation.

Full of humor, wonder and drama, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is an excellent way to introduce children to the opera. The show, 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.

“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.

The Southern Crescent Chorale’s presentation of “Amahl” will take place Nov. 16-18 at the F.A. Sams Auditorium, 205 Lafayette Drive in Fayetteville. A special performance will be held for elementary students on Thursday, prior to the public performances.

Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors (age 60 and above) and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/24020, at By Invitation Only, from Southern Crescent Chorale members and at the door. Group sales are available at 770-716-1231.

The Southern Crescent Chorale’s 2007-2008 concert series marks their sixth season and promises to deliver a variety of performances for the enrichment of the Southern Crescent community. Holding an important place in the vibrant arts community, the chorale is conducted by renowned choral director Janice Folsom. Concerts are planned at venues throughout the region and will include dynamic performances of a major choral work, along with other classical works and Broadway favorites. With national-caliber voices and a challenging selection of material, the Southern Crescent Chorale has established a reputation and a following that continues to grow with every performance.

The Southern Crescent Chorale is funded through contributions from local supporters of the arts – businesses and individuals – as well as the sale of concert tickets. Everyone in the community is invited to experience the musical excellence that the chorale has to offer. For more information about the Southern Crescent Chorale, please contact info@southerncrescent.org or call 770-716-1231.

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