‘Tis the Season for Amahl and the Night Visitors

Feeling a little cantankerous as the Christmas season approaches? Inject a little magic, music and inspiration with a performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors.

This one act opera has been performed more often than any other opera in the world and was the first opera written for a television audience.

Pablo Rubin-Jurado, courtesy image from HPAF

The story follows a crippled boy and poverty stricken mother in Bethlehem during the time of Jesus’ birth.

Interestingly, the dress rehearsal is open to a lucky public and takes place on November 20, at 7 p.m. at the Honoka’a People’s Theatre.

This free rehearsal affords attendees a rare glimpse into an opera’s artistic process. This theater is located at 43-18797 Mamane Street in Honoka’a.

After the kinks are worked out at Tuesday’s dress rehearsal, the opera is ready for the stage at Aloha Theater on November 23, and the Gates Center at the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy on November 24 at 7 p.m.

Concertmaster Iggy Jang takes charge of the music with Val Underwood as artistic director.

Opera talent Peabody Southwell plays Amahl’s mother and 10-year-old soprano Pablo Rubin-Jurado will play the crippled boy.

Baritone Robin Buck and Hawai’i Opera Theater’s Gerald Altwies and Chad Williams appear as the Three Kings. James Darrah is the award winning director.

Tickets are $15 for children 12 and younger, $30 advance-general, $35 general at the door, and $50 for premium or reserved seating.

Tickets are available online at www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org. Or call 808-333-7378 for more information.

The Aloha Theater in Kainaliu is located at 79-7384 Mamalohoa Highway. The Hawaii Preparatory Academy is located at 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road in Kamuela.