Opera Theatre to present "Amahl and the Night Visitors"

Grand Valley Opera Theatre will present the special Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at the Grand Rapids Ballet’s Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

Five performances of the family friendly, one-hour production are planned, including matinees and evening shows.

Friday, November 29 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 30 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 1 at 2 p.m.

One of the most popular works ever written for the American stage, Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” was also the first opera composed specifically for U. S. network television. Originally broadcast December 24, 1951 on NBC, the beloved Christmas special quickly became an annual holiday tradition.

This adaptation of the story of the Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi tells how a crippled, young shepherd boy’s life changes forever when he sees an amazing star. Three foreign kings following the star, in search of a wondrous child, encounter Amahl and his mother.

Under the direction of Dale Schriemer, director of GVSU Opera Theatre, the performances are in collaboration with the Unity Christian High School Choral Ensemble and Grand Rapids Junior Ballet Company.  Aidan Baas, a seventh grade student from East Grand Rapids Middle School, will be featured as Amahl.

Tickets,  $14 adults; $12 alumni, seniors, faculty and staff; $6 all students and groups, can be purchased through Grand Valley’s box office at 331-2300 or through Star Tickets at 222-4000.