'amahl And The Night Visitors' To Take Stage At Una

Nov. 20, 2012

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

FLORENCE, Ala. - UNA Opera/Musical Theatre, a division of the University of North Alabama Department of Music and Theatre, will present Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" in the Wesleyan Hall Auditorium Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. "Amahl and the Night Visitors" tells the story of Amahl, a poor shepherd boy, and his mother who live near Bethlehem. On the brink of being forced to beg to stay alive, the pair is visited by three kings who are on their way to give gifts to a wondrous child. The kings ask for lodging for the night, which Amahl and his mother gladly give. In the end, it is Amahl who receives a wonderful gift. Written in 1951 for NBC, "Amahl and the Night Visitors" was the first opera composed specifically for television. It became an annual Christmas tradition for the network for the next 20 years. Dr. Terrance Brown, director of vocal studies at UNA, will direct and conduct the opera, and Dr. Tiffany Bostic-Brown, instructor of music at UNA, will be stage director. The production will feature members of the UNA Choruses. Pianist Karen Cantrell will be accompanist, and Bryan Hall will provide technical design. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts. For more information, contact the Department of Music and Theatre at 256-765-5122, or visit www.una.edu/music-theatre.