Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one hour opera in English
composed by Gian Carlo Menotti to his own libretto, was commissioned by
the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). It was the first opera created
expressly for American television and premiered Christmas Eve, 1951.
It is the heartwarming story of Amahl, a poor lame shepherd boy who,
with his mother are visited one night by three wise men seeking lodging
during their star-led journey. The magi tell Amahl of the remarkable
child they have set out to see.
Choreographed by James Sewell, former dancer with Eliot Feld of New
York, and Artistic Director of James Sewell Ballet of Minneapolis, Amahl
also includes American Sign Language to tell Amahl’s story and share
the themes of hope, healing, and compassion. This family-friendly
Christmas story is fast becoming a holiday favorite.
