Amahl and the Night Visitors
Written by Kaila Gatti
Amahl and the Night Visitors was composed by Gian Carlo Menotti and premiered on Dec. 24, 1951. This was the first opera composed for television in the United States and debuted at the NBC studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, New York City. Set near Bethlehem shortly before the birth of Christ, this opera tells the story of a widowed mom and her young, disabled son. In the middle of the night, her son Amahl–with a wild imagination–informs his mother that a star is lighting up the sky and the three kings on their way to bring gifts to Jesus, have appeared at their house. In disbelief, the mother goes to see for herself. After welcoming them into their home, despite having nothing to give them, we witness what may be the first Christmas miracle.
Giancarlo Menotti was an Italian immigrant who worked closely with other composers of his time including the great Samuel Barber. He reflected many of the characters on his own life, including his mother who was widowed when Manotti was a teenager. As well as King Kaspar who, in the Italian tradition, is responsible for giving the children their gifts. Because Menotti’s family was poor, often he and his brothers would not get what they wanted for Christmas, and would say that Kaspar was deaf which is comedically reflected in the opera by Violet Purcell (Friday) and Alex Harstad (Saturday).
Interlochen chose to put on this production because it speaks to many people, including the cast members.
According to Alejandra Gaspar Hulbert, a senior classical voice major, “The show itself brings a lot of hope… diving into the mother character brings me more gratitude for my family and the sacrifices they made for me.” She further expressed gratitude towards her cast members, saying, “The way we interact with each other is so special,” and that is apparent in the opera.
During part one, with Kaila Rose Gatti and Artemis Scheiber-Loeis (Friday), and Belle Thomman with Hannah Messineo (Saturday), the mother and son are about to go to bed when Amahl claims he sees a star he had never seen before lighting up the sky. The mother, after repeatedly telling him to come inside, loses her patience. She can no longer reason with her son’s imagination and repeatedly ask why he has to make up stories. A fit of anger reveals that she and her son no longer have enough to get through the next week and they may have to become beggars. Overcome with sadness, she clings to her bed while Amahl attempts to lift his mother’s spirits saying that they could get rich singing and dancing for money. Eventually, Mother puts Amahl to bed, but there are only more surprises to come.
In part two, with Sydney Rosplock and Brighet Shene (Friday), and Neve Bruno with Leila Topi (Saturday), there is a knock on the mother and son’s door in the middle of the night. Mother sends Amahl to see who it is and Amahl opens the door to see that there is a king standing in their doorway. In disbelief, he slams the door in the king's face and runs back to his mother who–to no surprise–doesn't believe him. After a second knock, Amahl is sent to the door again to ask what they want. This time there are not one, but two kings behind the door. Amahl then runs back to his mother who rises to frustration again. After a third knock all three arrive at the door. The mother, no longer testing her son, gets up and, in shock, welcomes them into her home. The kings inform them that they can only stay for a short time so they don't lose track of their star…the same star that Amahl had been watching hours before. When they are in the house the mother inquires about the items they have brought with them. It is revealed that they are bringing kings to the child, Jesus Christ.
By the end of the show, everyone is asleep when the mother wakes up. She sees all the gold intended for a child they haven't even met yet, and enviously wonders why no one could bring gold to Amahl. While whispering to herself, “for my child, for my child,” she attempts to steal some of the gold in efforts to provide for Amahl. She is then caught by the king’s page, while Amahl begs for them to let her go. The child says that he is the one who lies and steals and that his loving mother can do no wrong. After dropping the gold, the kings allow her to take some, and in a moment of realization, returns it stating that if she had enough money she would also bring a gift for the child. Amahl then asks if he could bring the child his crutch. Dramatically brought to life by Alicia Ko and Yoyo Jiang (Friday), and Alejandra Gaspar-Hulbert and EvaLalie Sautter (Saturday), the boy who was born with no mobility in his left leg, walks again.
Amahl and the Night Visitors by Giancarlo Menotti tells a story of the first Christmas, while embodying the season of giving through characters who have nothing to give. This touching story about a poor widowed mother and her disabled son touched the hearts of its audience members while evidently holding a special place in the hearts of the performers.