Opera and musical theater are both art forms that combine music, sets, props, costumes, actors, singers, and instrumentalists to convey a story. Before electricity, before microphones, people developed the art form of opera for singers to be heard by an audience (with no amplification). Opera is generally "sung through" which means that all the speaking in between songs is sung as well. (Some opera forms do have speaking in between songs.) Opera comes in many styles, and we hope to share this art and entertainment form with you!
Upcoming Production:
Amahl and the Night Visitors
by Giancarlo Menotti
December 21 & 22, 2019 Shows at 2PM & 4PM each day
Sebastopol Center for the Arts 282 S High St, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Adults $15 online & $20 at the door Youth under 18 $10
The Story of Amahl Somewhere in the world lives a crippled little Shepherd boy named Amahl. Amahl lives with his impoverished, widowed mother. They have sold everything of worth and are now faced with hunger and cold in their empty home.
One night, three kings on their way to Bethlehem, stop at their home and ask to rest inside for the night. Amahl and his mother welcome their visitors as best they can, and are amazed at their splendid attire and the riches that they carry with them. Amahl's mother, Tabitha*, sends him out to ask the other villagers to bring food and firewood to share with their visitors.
While he is gone, Tabitha learns of the visitors quest to find a certain newborn babe, in order to pay him homage and bring him gifts. She wonders why this child is worthy of these gifts, and not her own precious child. They are interrupted by the joyous arrival of the Shepherds who have each brought a small offering, but when it all comes together, it adds up to a great amount of food and entertainment for the evening.
When the Shepherds have left and everyone is asleep, Tabitha cannot sleep. She thinks, "If I only take one tiny piece of that treasure, it could feed us for months". She creeps over to the treasure, but gets caught by the page! Once everyone is awake and aware, the wise men try to once more explain to her who this newborn child is, and how his love will transform the lives of all people.
Touched by their words, Tabitha wishes that she could send something to this child as well. Amahl asks if he can send a gift of his crutch, which is the most useful and necessary item in his life, and with his offering he is cured of his lameness. As dawn appears in the sky, the visitors prepare to resume their journey. Amahl begs his mother to let him go with them, to bring his gift to the child, and a new journey begins....
