“Life is difficult for Amahl, a young disabled boy, and his poor widowed mother. Their only sheep has died and they struggle to eat each day. But when three splendidly dressed kings arrive on their doorstep telling tales of an incredible child born in far-off Bethlehem, Amahl and his mother are filled with hope. Now, Amahl must confront poverty and disability to see the Holy Child for himself.” – synopsis, Amahl and the Night Visitors

Princeton, N.J., December 1st – Operanauts, Inc. will release its production of Menotti’s one-act opera Amahl and the Night Visitors for free online. Guests can view the intimate performance, recorded live outdoors, on our event page.

Live performance was the lifeblood of Operanauts’ work until the coronavirus pandemic began. Now, instead of risking guests’ safety at an in-person event, Operanauts is proud to offer a socially distant online opera experience – free of charge – to celebrate the resilience and generosity of their patrons. 

Menotti’s opera celebrates the season of giving, and delivers the timely message that all charity is blessed. Now, more than ever, we need to recognize the importance of giving and take action to benefit those in need.

In the spirit of giving, this urgent fundraising effort will benefit young musicians and singers in Kinshasa living in scarcity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceeds will also contribute to the commissioning of a new children’s opera in Congo, continuing Operanauts’ Opera-Making Program initiative. 

The performance, recorded at the Pettoranello Gardens Amphitheatre in Princeton, will be released December 1st at 8 p.m., and run until December 31st.

Cast, Amahl and the Night Visitors:
Amahl Janki Namboodiripad
Mother Molly Burke
King Balthazar Martin Hargrove
King Melchior Brian Ming Chu
King Kaspar Kevin Courtemanche
Page Theo Trevisan
Pianists Akiko Hosaki and Julia Hanna
The Shepherds’ choir and dancers Students from Westminster College of the Arts and The Rock School of Dance Education

Creative Team:
Theatre Director Rose Freeman
Music Director Akiko Hosaki
Creative Director Joy Bechtler

Artist Manger Emily Byrne
Choreographer Jody Anderson
Costume designer Anne Steel