I learned recently that the famous Christmas show, Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti has been seen all over the world by more people than any opera in history. Perhaps the reason is that this pageant is perfect for adults AND CHILDREN, lasts less than one hour, involves beautiful music, has a story of sadness and joy, and is sung in ENGLISH. I predict that at the end of the show, you will have tears of sadness in your eyes and joy in your heart.
The story tells of the night the Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem, stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepherd boy who lives with his widowed mother. The royal sojourners rest in the small, bare house where love and faith work miracles during the night. Amahl offers his own simple gift to the Christ Child.
There is one performance of Amahl on Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Pauls Valley. The production is fully staged and includes local and regional soloists. Amahl is being played by Wyett Regester from Bethany, OK. The Garvin County Sinfonietta provides the orchestral music from the 1951 Christmas Eve premiere on NBC. The chorus of shepherds and villagers, dancers from Pauls Valley Dance Station, original sets, lights, and spectacular costumes prepare you for an indelible Christmas story. Let me know if you have tears along with feelings of great joy, a precursor to the coming birth of Jesus.
Advance tickets for adults are available for $20 online at GarvinCountySings.com or at the Pauls Valley Chamber of Commerce. Adult tickets at the door are $25. Under 20 are admitted free.
Come join us!
--Jack
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