Putting a modern spin on a Christmas classic, Ouachita’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors left viewers anxiously awaiting the Christmas season. The one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti debuted on Thursday, Nov. 19 and ran through Sunday, Nov. 22 in Jones Performing Arts Center.
The show retold the story of Christ’s birth from the point of view of a young, disabled boy, Amhal, living with his mother on the outskirts of Bethlehem. In the story three Magi, seeking the whereabouts of the Christ child, become unexpected visitors in Amahl’s home. These events lead to unforeseen blessings for Amahl’s family.
“This opera is great to perform at this season of the year,” David Stanley, instructor of music at OBU and director of the show, said. “In operatic productions, I want to ensure the genre remains relevant to modern audiences—not just simply relics of the past. For this reason, I wanted to add a couple of fresh elements to the production, while still embracing a somewhat traditional telling of the story.”
To ensure that the opera remained relevant to both the audience and the performers, Stanley added contemporary elements to both the beginning and end of the production.
For senior music and theatre arts major, Natalie Williams, the production helped foster a newfound love and respect for opera.
“Something I’ve loved about being involved in this production is simply learning more about the genre of opera,” Williams said. “I’ve come to realize how much I really love opera. To me, it’s so much more natural to act through singing and for music to be the most important element of the show.”
The show also challenged her as an actress, as she worked hard to embody the character of Amahl for the Nov. 19 and 21 performances.
“It’s been really fun to learn how to be a kid again,” Williams stated. “I’ve grown so much as a performer because of [this role]. There are no inhibitions and I get to be really playful as a character and react to things as a little kid would.”
“I always enjoy seeing what student performers are able to accomplish when you challenge them, both musically and dramatically,” Stanley noted. “Seeing them come together to tell a story in this way is so incredibly satisfying. I love their passion and zeal to bring this timeless classic to life!”
The show also brought together a diverse group of performers, including nine leading cast members, 14 members of the chorus of shepherds and villagers and 12 members of the orchestra
“I loved seeing the hard work of the actors come together with the sets, costumes and especially the music,” Caroline Dunlap, junior piano performance major and member of the orchestra, stated.
“I am grateful for Mr. Stanley,” added Alec Edmonds, freshman music arts major and member of the chorus. “He’s shown us the true meaning of this show. He also encouraged us through our mistakes and helped us grow not only as good performers, but as people as well.”
For more information on Amahl and the Night Visitors or other upcoming Ouachita productions, contact the OBU box office at (870) 245-5555 or boxoffice@obu.edu.
By Cimber Winfrey
