Amahl and the Night Visitors

A very special production of Amahl and the Night Visitors, an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti (in English).  Commissioned in 1951, it has become a popular Christmas classic. This production is staged by the music department and members of the First Congregational Church. The performances will be held at the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake.    The story of the opera is this: Amahl is a handicapped shepherd boy who often tells untruths. One night he tries to tell his mother about what he actually has seen outside - an enormous star with a long tale. His mother believes that he is lying and grows angry. She becomeseven angrier when Amahl tells her that three kings have come to visit them. One king enters and tell the two peasants that they have come to find a king (the baby Jesus), and they show the rich gifts they have brought. While Amahl's mother is gathering wood for the fire, Amahl asks the kings questions about their lives. The mother returns with her neighbors and the villagers present gifts to the visitors. That night, Amahl's mother tries to steal some of the kings' gold to use to help her child. She is caught. The kings offer to let her keep the gold. They explain that the king (Jesus) they seek will need nothing but love to rule his kingdom, but she returns the gold. Amahl offers his staff as an additional gift, and suddenly finds that he can walk. He leaves with the kings to pay homage to the child who has healed him. 

For credit card orders or online orders: www.fcc-cl.org - and click on Amahl Tickets