October 25, 2006

UM Opera Workshop Presents
"Amahl and the Night Visitors"

The University of Mobile Opera Workshop will present “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti, on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist North Mobile.

The guest conductor will be Bernard McDonald of London, England, who conducted “Amahl” for the Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh in 2005 and served as chorus master of Glyndebourne, the No. 2 opera company in the United Kingdom, from 2003-2005. The show will be directed by Dr. Patrick Jacobs, assistant professor of music at UM, and produced by Melba Brown, associate professor of applied music and director of vocal studies at the university. Carol Evers, adjunct piano instructor, will provide piano accompaniment.

Tickets for either showing are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Group rates are available. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For reservations or for more information, call 251-442-2420 or 251-442-2554.

The opera tells the story of a young crippled boy named Amahl who meets the Magi as they travel to see the infant Jesus. His life is changed profoundly by the meeting and the circumstances that come of it.

Starring in the show are Lydia Bru and Ashley Hughes as Amahl, Stephanie Smith Johnston and Nikki Ellis as Amahl’s mother, Peter Lake and Jordan Squires as King Kaspar, James Berrian and Jordan Van Matre as King Melchior, Jason O’Neal as King Balthazar, and Reuben Walter and Luke Veazey as the page. In addition to these cast members, the chorus of shepherds and villagers includes Catherine Odom, Jason Montz, Philip Jewell, Jackie Seabrooke, Meagan Burns, Annel Robayna, Brad Forehand, Rebekah Metts, Rebeca Doswell, Sarah Toms, Jared Freeman and Kimberly Neno.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu, or call the Admissions Office at 251-442-2273.