Showing posts with label holiday theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday theatre. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
(*) Upcoming: A Christmas Survival Guide, New Braunfels Theatre Company at Seekatz Opera House, November 30 - December 9
New Braunfels Theatre Company Presents "A Christmas Survival Guide" - First Musical Theatre Production to be Performed at Seekatz Opera House Since 1941 Fire
New Braunfels Theatre Company is pleased to partner with the Seekatz Opera House to bring New Braunfels our Christmas production, A Christmas Survival Guide.
This funny, upbeat show will be presented in Downtown New Braunfels at the Seekatz Opera House, in a festive, holiday party-like atmosphere. We are pleased to offer complimentary wine and beer to ticketholders, before the show and during intermission.
This fresh, intimate musical revue takes a wry and knowing look at a stressful season. Armed with a copy of A Christmas Survival Guide and an optimistic attitude, the characters charge into an urban holiday landscape searching for the true essence of Christmas. In upbeat and heartfelt songs (Sleigh Ride, All Those Christmas Cliches, Sacred Trio) alongside tongue in cheek vignettes, they learn to cope with the season in ways that are both hilarious and heartwarming.
The Seekatz was constructed in 1900. It has been used in recent years for weddings, corporate parties and social gatherings, but was originally constructed with opera and theatre productions in mind. The building was destroyed by fire in 1941, but was later rebuilt and then fully restored in 2004. A Christmas Survival Guide marks the first musical theatre production presented in the Seekatz Opera House since the 1941 fire.
A Christmas Survival Guide features an exceptionally talented cast including Travis Anderson, Nicole Bennett, Mario Contreras, Kelly Crawford and Becca Myer in the five principal roles. Four talented favorites; Danielle Flores, Beau Gregersen, Jaime Ramirez and Jennifer Wassom, round out the cast. Tracey Nefford serves as Director.
Times: Friday, 11/30 and Friday, 12/7 at 8:00 PM; Saturday, 12/1 and Saturday, 12/8 at 2:30 PM and 8:00 PM; and Sunday, 12/2 and Sunday, 12/9 at 2:30 PM.
Tickets: $17 for adults, $15 for students/sen
iors and $12 for children (12 and under.) Please note that the Seekatz Opera House does not have a box office for advance purchases. Tickets are available for purchase at several local businesses: The Crossing, Water2Wine, Smith & Cole Dentistry and Gregersen Family Chiropractic, as well as from cast and crew. Printable tickets will be available online at newbraunfelstheatrecompany.com. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door on performance dates, one hour prior to show time.
| For More Information: |
Please call NBTC\'s information line at (830) 221-6506 with questions.
|
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Upcoming: Shakespeare Scrooged by Manuel Zarate, December 14 - 30
presents
Shakespeare Scrooged
by Manuel Zarate
December 18 and 19 only, 7:30 p.m.
The Trinity Street Players Black Box (on the 4th floor of First Baptist Church, Austin) at the corner of 9th & Trinity in downtown Austin.
The HBMG Foundation presents Shakespeare Scrooged, a retelling written and directed by Manuel Zarate of the classic Dickens Christmas Caroll with Shakespeare's fiesty, funny and often infamous characters! With a stellar cast, Shakespeare Scrooged stars Michelle Haché (Sound of Music), Michelle Alexander (Xanadu), Alison Stebbins (All My Sons), Aaron Alexander (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), Derek Jones (Of Mice & Men), Cody Eastman (Baby), and Ann Pittman (Ragtime)!
Two nights only and seating is limited! Email apittman@hbmginc.com to reserve your seat! Tickets are free, but donations are accepted!
Donations will be collected for Trinity Center and Caritas of Austin.
Donations will be collected for Trinity Center and Caritas of Austin.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Upcoming: Noel, A Christmas Adventure by PAIYH Dance Studio at One World Theatre, December 15
NOEL is a magical Christmas adventure down Candy Cane Lane with spectacular dance numbers, vibrant costumes and familiar holiday melodies. This original musical follows the journey of a girl who must learn that if she can believe in herself, she just might save Christmas. Join us to find how working together, believing in yourself and finding the best in each other is the only way to keep Christmas cool! The perfect holiday treat for children of all ages! Presented by Nada Stearns in association with PAIYH Dance Studios.
Saturday, December 15th @ Noon
Buy Tickets here.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Upcoming: The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris and Joe Mantiello, Zach Theatre, November 24 - December 23
presents
THE SANTALAND DIARIES
written by David Sedaris • Adapted for stage by JOE MANTELLO • Directed by DAVE STEAKLEY • Starring MARTIN BURKE, AMY DOWNING (for evening performances) and JILL BLACKWOOD (on matinees)
Musical Director and Arrangements by JASON CONNOR
Original Set Design by HEYD FONTENOT • Lighting Design by JASON AMATO • Sound Design by CRAIG BROCK • Properties Design by BLAKE REEVES • Costume Design by BLAIR HURRY
THE SANTALAND DIARIES previews November 23 - Opening night is Saturday, November 24 (Press night) - Performances continue through December 23, Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
To order tickets call 512-476-0541 ext. 1 or visit www.zachtheatre.org. Tickets range from $35-$65.
Student Rush Tickets: $18 one hour before showtime (with valid ID).
ZACH’s bar opens one hour before showtime.
ZACH’s intimate Whisenhunt Stage, 1510 Toomey Road, (Toomey intersects S. Lamar Blvd. between W. Cesar Chavez and Barton Springs Rd.)
ZACH’s production of THE SANTALAND DIARIES is sponsored in part by Lina’s Cocoa Couture.
Austin's favorite irreverent elf returns in the 15th — and final — edition of Sedaris' hysterical tale of elfin woe. Enjoy the real-life story of Sedaris' tour of duty at Macy’s as Crumpet the elf, and what it takes to juggle tots and tottering Santas during a painfully festive time of the year. A laugh 'til you cry evening of merrily subversive entertainment to delight adult audiences! (Note: mature themes.)
For real-time updates on ZACH Theatre news, events and happenings, visit http://www.zachtheatre.org/blog, be a fan of ZACH Theatre on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/zachtheatre, and follow ZACH on Twitter @zachtheatre http://www.twitter.com/zachtheatre.
About ZACH Theatre ZACH Theatre is Austin’s leading professional producing theatre, employing more than 600 actors, musicians, and designers annually. Founded in 1932, ZACH is the longest running theatre company in Texas, serving 95,000 adults and youth annually. ZACH creates its own nationally recognized plays and musicals that ignite the imagination, lift the spirit, and engage the community under the proven leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Elisbeth Challener. Launching its 80th season in 2012, ZACH continues to expand and engage with Austin, adding the new 420-seat, 32,000-square-foot Topfer Theatre to its performing arts campus, nearly doubling ZACH’s capacity while retaining its hallmark intimate theatre-going experience. Visit www.zachtheatre.org for more information.
ZACH Theatre is sponsored in part, by Applied Materials, Austin Catering, Four Hands Home, Holiday Inn-Lady Bird Lake, Kirk Tuck Photography, Marquee Event Group, OnRamp, Austin American-Statesman, KXAN TV 36, and Time Warner Cable; and by grants from Junior League of Austin, The Shubert Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, which believes an investment in the arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.
(Click to return to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
(*) Upcoming: The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, The Playhouse, San Antonio, December 7 - 16
presents
A Macy's elf spills the beans about the real Santaland and a woman shares her heartwarming albeit twisted sentiments for the season in these hilarious one-person one-acts.
Directed by Shelly Chance
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Ticketing information available here
Tickets available here!
Dates: Friday, December 7, 2012 to Sunday, December 16, 2012
Theater: Russell Hill Rogers Theater
(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)
Upcoming: Dashing Through the Snow by Jones, Hope and Wooten, Gaslight Baker Theatre, November 29 - December 15
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW
A Christmas Season Comedy
Performance Dates – 3 Weekends
EVENINGS - 8pm Fridays and Saturdays
Nov. 30 – Dec. 15, 2012
SNEAK PEEK - 8pm Thursday
Nov. 29, 2012
MATINEES - 2pm Sun Dec. 9 &
Sat Dec. 15, 2012
Regular Adult Tickets $12
Senior & Children Tickets $10
It is four days before Christmas in the tiny town of Tinsel, Texas, and a colorful parade of eccentric guests arrive at the Snowflake Inn and deck the halls with holiday hilarity. Trina, the harried yet upbeat innkeeper of this B&B, has more than she can handle coping with these nuttier-than-a-fruitcake lodgers. This is a play is about with renewal, redemption, rekindling, reconciliation and remarriage. Highlighted by a spur-of-the-moment Christmas Eve wedding that brings together the fabulous Futrelle sisters—Honey Raye, Twink, Frankie and Rhonda Lynn and their best friend, Raynerd, the evening takes a surprising and delightful turn that leads to a laugh-'til-your-sides-ache climax, changing all their lives forever. You'll swear this family-friendly Jones/Hope/Wooten Christmas comedy is more fun than a joyride in a one-horse open sleigh!
Click Here to Buy Tickets
(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Upcoming: A 1940's Radio Christmas Carol, Hill Country Community Theatre, Cottonwood Shores, November 29 - December 9
A 1940'S RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL
Hill Country Community Theatre near Marble Falls, November 29 - December 9
Click for additional information
(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Additional San Antonio Auditions for The Black Nativity, Renaissance Guild, October 4 and 11
BLACK NATIVITY AUDITIONS EXTENDED! Remaining Audition Dates: Thursdays, October 4 and 11, 6.30PM No appointment needed! Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in. Location: Little Carver Civic Center, 226 N. Hackberry, SATX 78202 (click for map)
The Carver Community Cultural Center & the renaissance guild announce auditions for their annual production of the hit Gospel Song Play by Langston Hughes; director: Danielle King. A soulful retelling of the Christmas story with a predominately black cast, with narrative, pantomime, gospel songs and folk spirituals, a unique creation of the prolific poet and playwright Langston Hughes. Four Performances: Dec 14-16, 2012 ~ Friday: 8pm, Saturday: 3pm and8pm, Sunday: 4pmWe are looking for actors, singers, church musicians, & church praise dancers of all ages, 10-99! There will be speaking & non-speaking roles. Beginner or seasoned actors of all colors, sizes, and ages are welcome! All actors & singers must be able to perform basic dance movement. All positions are volunteer - Non-Equity.
Actor roles needed:
Joseph, African American male (age 20-30)
Mary, African American female (age 18-25 )
Narrator, (3) African American male (age 45-65 )
Narrator (3) African American female (age 45-65 )
Male, Any Ethnicity (age 25–45 ) Female, Any Ethnicity (age 25–45 )
Shepherds (4), Any Ethnicity, male (1 age 8-60 )
Wise Men (3), Any Ethnicity, male (age 30-60 )
Minister, Male, Any Ethnicity (age 35–65 )
Townspeople/Church Members, Any Ethnicity (age 10-99 )
Actors: prepare a 1 minute dramatic monologue and be prepared for cold readings from the script
Singers: all registers and gospel styles needed.Singers: come prepared with 32 bars of a memorized gospel/Christian song of your choice, a cappella or with a CD TRACK (PLEASE NO iPODs, CDs ONLY!)
Praise Dancers: come prepared with 32 bars of choreographed dance routine in costume. Can be individual or group of dancers.
Walk-in auditions-Appointments available if requested. Please email admin@therenaissanceguild.org or call (210) 656-0349 for an audition time. Spaces are limited! Audition results: posted via website and on our voicemail box on Monday, Oct 15, 6 pm (subject to change)
Rehearsals dates: Oct 23 – Dec 13 -- Rehearsal days: Mon – Friday, an occasional Saturday if needed. Rehearsal times: 6.30 -9pm, based on cast schedule. Rehearsal location: TBA
Contact: For more information visit therenaissanceguild.org, or call (210) 656-0349
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Upcoming: The What-Cracka?!, McCallum Fine Arts Academy, December 8 - 11
Received directly:
presents
The WHAT-CRACKA?!
December 8 - 11, Thursday - Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
MacTheatre, 5600 Sunshine Drive (click for map)
TICKETS online at www.mactheatre.com Adults $15 | Students $6 | Seniors $10
Start off your holiday season all merry and bright with an evening of music and dance that is not to be missed. The WHAT-CRACKA?! roars onto center stage Dec. 8 – 11 at the new McCallum Arts Center Theatre.
A collaboration of the Dance and Theatre departments at the McCallum Fine Arts Academy, this ain’t your grandmother’s Nutcracker!
It’s an innovative, G-rated urban take on the Christmas classic about a girl, a prince, and how they solve their rat problem.
Featuring a score mixed and mastered by Brian Ramos — of Grammy Award winning Grupo Fantasma fame — and choreographed by a slew of hip hop, latin, and modern dancers, this new twist on the Tchaikovsky favorite will have you dancing in the aisles.
Come see why the WHAT-CRACKA?! just might become a new Austin tradition!
Upcoming: Of Mice and Music, A Jazz Nutcracker, Tapestry Dance Company at Boyd Vance Theatre, Carver Center, December 8 - 18
Found on-line:
presents
Of Mice and Music
A Jazz Nutcracker
December 8 - 11 and 13 - 18 at 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday matinees December 10-11, 17-18 at 2 p.m.
Boyd Vance Theatre, George Washington Carver Center, 1165 Angelina Street (click for map)
Click to buy tickets on-line through the Long Center (students $15 and no additional fee, general admission $25 and $5.50 fee)
The sounds of hoofs ain't just for roofs: Child and adult dancers hoof it to a jazz trio's take on Tchaikovsky in "Of Mice and Music: A Jazz Nutcracker." Dec. 8-18. Boyd Vance Theater at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St.
Upcoming: Noel, PAIYH Dance Studios at Waldorf School, December
Found on-line:
presents
NOEL, An Original Holiday Musical
Sunday, December 11th 2011, 2pm & 5pm
Austin Waldorf School's Performing Arts Center, 8700 South View Rd, Austin, TX 78737 (view map)
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each show.
Purchase tickets at PAIYH Dance Studios in the Hill Country Galleria or by phone at 512-291-2179.
Adults $15; children (ages 3-17) and seniors (ages 55+) $12; free for 2 and under on lap.
Create a new Christmas tradition! NOEL is an original holiday musical featuring some of Austin's brightest talents. A heart warming story about a little girl who has a big dream, NOEL is filled with a variety of hip hop, jazz, and ballet dances, as well as familiar holiday songs. Children of all ages are bound to be singing and dancing in their seats!
Ongoing: Holiday Heroes, Zach Theatre, November 28 - December 16
Found on-line:
presents in its series 'Theatre for Youth, Shows for Schools'
Holiday Heroes
Created by & Starring Jerome Schoolar and Shaun Wainwright-Branigan
Live on Stage Monday-Friday, November 28 -December 16, 2011
SHOWTIMES: Weekday mornings at 9:45am and 11:00am
COST: $7 per child Two teachers per class are free!
Reservations are required as space is limited. (512) 476-0594 x236
Information: education@zachtheatre.org
Ernie and Rufus have finally finished building a display for the Big Holiday Show using symbols of different holidays they found in the box of props. It is the best display ever, until disaster strikes and there are only 30 minutes until people arrive! Will they have time to get the display back together? Come see them race against the clock to get the Holidays started!
Upcoming: The Black Nativity, Renaissance Guild, San Antonio, December 9 - 11
Found on-line:
presents
Black Nativity
by Langston Hughes
directed by Danielle King
December 9-11, 2011 -- 3 performances only!
The Renaissance Guild with The Carver Community Cultural Center
at The Carver Community Cultural Center - Jo Long Theatre, 226 N. Hackberry, San Antonio, Texas, 78202
Friday, Dec 9 and Saturday, Dec 10, 8 pm; Sunday Matinee, Dec 11, 4 pm
Tickets: $21 - For more information contact The Carver (210) 207-2234, visit our website or call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000
The Renaissance Guild and The Carver Community Cultural Center present their annual production of the hit Gospel Song Play Black Nativity - a retelling of the Christmas story with a predominately black cast, with narrative, dance, gospel songs and folk spirituals, a unique creation of the prolific poet and playwright Langston Hughes.
Cast:
Speaking Roles: Male Narrator #1~Garfield Swaby, Female Narrator #1~Ella Nathaniel, Joseph~Gabriel O. Ume II, Mary~Maddison Krueger, Inn Keeper~Vianne McKinney, Angel #1~Scharlett Donald, Angel #2~TBA, Angel #3~Evonne Nathaniel, Angel #4~Tori Foutz, Old Woman~Beverly Hurston, Woman #1~Katrina Webber, Female Narrator #2~LaSandra Dolberry, Male Narrator #2~Thomas Givens, Shepherd #1~ Garfield Swaby, Shepherd #2~Harlon Ume, Shepherd #3~Isaiah Cosey, Shepherd #4~Blake Willeford, Shepher#5 Dewitt Walker, Female Narrator #3~KC Onwuchekwa. Male Narrator #3~Andrew Johnson, King #1~Robert Young, King #2~Edward Burkley, King #3~Kenny Patterson, Elder~Kevin Majors, First Lady~TBA, Youth Choir Director~Anitra Little, Youth Song Leader(s)~TBA, Church Woman ~Shaundra Lamkin
Praise Dancers: Anthony Hall, Jr., Aishiana Thomas, Cathy Maduro,Courtney Hansford, Jamiza Manous, Oletha Vicks and S'Keyah Mackey, TBA
Ensemble: Aaliyah Frazier, Andres Miles, Ayanna Milbry, Allonia Nathaniel, Anquinette Thomas, Briana Foster, David Gibson, Deandre Alexander, Ella Edwards, Gwen Page, Jamizia Manous, Jessica Givens, Lindsay White, Marcus McPeters, Michelle M. Willingham, Renee Brooks, Sherrie Wilson, Stephanie Bankston, Tamika D. Davis, Tori Foutz and Veloria Turner, TBA
Director: Danielle King; Asst. Director: Sharon Lisa Smith
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Upcoming: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Sam Bass Community Theatre, Round Rock, December 2 - 17
Found on-line:
presents
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
based on the award-winning book by Barbara Robinson
directed by Veronica Prior
December 2 - 17, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
Sam Bass Community Theatre, 600 Lee Street, Round Rock (click for map)
Tickets $13 - $18; click to purchase on-line
Just in time for the holidays comes a wonderful story about the beauty of the season and the true meaning of Christmas...Wrong! When two well-intentioned parents decide to direct the school play, they make the terrible mistake of casting the Herdman kids; probably the most inventively awful kids in history! Chaos and hilarity results as the cast and crew collide with the Christmas story head on!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Upcoming: Elf Employment, Improvised Puppet Musical, Puppet Improv Project at Salvage Vanguard Theatre, December 2 - 17
Found on-line:
The Puppet Improv Project
presents
Elf Employment - Improvised Puppet Musical
December 2 - 17, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Salvage Vanguard Theatre, studio theatre, 2803 Manor Rd (click for map)
This show is for General Audiences (rated "G") Tickets $10 available online through www.gnaptheater.org.
This holiday season, the Puppet Improv Project merrily brings to the stage an improvised puppet musical set in the magical landscape Santa's Workshop! The show will feature a new Special Guest Star each night playing the role of "Santa". Your suggestions lead our cast of puppet elves and woodland creatures through a magical adventure.
The performance runs 8pm Fri/Sat during the first three weekends in December at the Salvage Vanguard Theater, in the Studio Theater.
GUEST STARS
12/2 Deano Jones - 12/3 Tom Booker - 12/9 Akina Adderley - 12/10 Buzz Moran - 12/16 Les McGehee - 12/17 John Ratliff
PUPPETEERS
Kate Bojanek, Sara Farr (dir), Topping Haggerty, Howard Katz, Patrick Knisley, Amy McKenna, Jesse Overright, Chadwick Smith
ACCOMPANIST
Ammon Taylor
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Upcoming: Bah, Humbug! with Damian Gillen, Dougherty Arts Center, December 19
Found on-line:
The Company Theatre, San Antonio
presents J. Damian Gillen in
Bah, Humbug!
a one-actor production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
December 19, time to be announced
Doughery Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd (click for map)
Now in its 9th year! It's Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with an amazing twist — one actor plays all the roles in this powerful tale of hope & compassion! Award-winning stage actor J. Damian Gillen transforms before your eyes into all those beloved characters...from Scrooge to tiny Tim, in this magical and imaginative re-telling of the holiday classic! Complete with numerous costume changes, special effects and traditional Celtic Christmas tunes! Great fun for the whole family! This tour willbreak last years record of 30 shows in 30 days!
"He is truly amazing" and "…a holiday treat.”
--San Antonio Express News.
"Bah Humbug is an affirmation of charity, redemption and Christianity that the world needs right now!" --Dr. Samara Cahill, University of Notre Dame
"Bah Humbug is sure to delight audiences the world over." --Rave Reviews Magazine
Friday, November 18, 2011
Upcoming: A Christmas Carol, the musical, San Pedro Playhouse, San Antonio, December 2 - 23
Received directly:
presents
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
Dec. 2 – Dec. 23
Shows Fridays and Saturday at 8 p.m.& Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Special weekday shows Dec. 20-22 at 7 PM
San Pedro Playhouse Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 West Ashby Place, San Antonio, TX 78212 (click for map)
TICKETS: Adults - $25, Seniors (60 plus) and Military with ID - $22, Students - $15. These prices include a $2 service per ticket.
Call 210-733-7258 or visit sanpedroplayhouse.com for tickets.
The Playhouse’s holiday spectacular, returns with Mr. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all of Charles Dickens’ ghostly treasures you won’t want to miss this magical, musical holiday classic. Direction by Gregory Hinojosa, Musical Direction by Jane Haas, and Choreography by Twyla LaMont.
This spectacular musical extravaganza received Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Musical and for ten years was one of New York City's most beloved holiday traditions. In 2004, this version became the basis of an NBC Hallmark Entertainment movie special.
The talented cast includes; Gregory Hinojosa., Megan de Young, Twyla LaMont, Ray Baird, SkudR Jones, Isidro Medina, Allison Newsom, and Robby Vance.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Upcoming: Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti, First Baptist Church, December 10 - 18
Received directly:
The Music Ministry
presents
Amahl and the Night Visitors
music director Louise Avant and stage director Cathy Jones
featuring Karlten Friedrich, Sarah Zeringue, Brett Barnes, John Raff, and Arturo Rodriguez
December 10 - 18, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity Street (click for map)
Admission to all performances is free, but donations are appreciated. Paid parking is available in FBC’s garage, entering on Trinity Street, and metered parking is offered on the street around the church. Please call First Baptist Church at 512-476-2625 for more information.
First Baptist Church of Austin Music Ministry will present Gian Carlo Menotti’s 1951 classic holiday operetta Amahl and the Night Visitors starting Saturday, December 10th and running through Sunday, December 18th, at First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity Street.
One of the most popular operettas of all time, Menotti’s one-act masterpiece was the first opera specifically composed for television in America. The Italian-American composer and librettist wrote Amahl and the Night Visitors using memories from his childhood. He wrote about two dozen other operas and won the Pulitzer Prize for two of them, The Consul in 1950 and The Saint of Bleecker Street in 1955.
This lighthearted and entertaining holiday production tells the story of a disabled, young shepherd boy named “Amahl” who lives alone with his mother on the outskirts of Bethlehem. The Three Kings, who are traveling to see the Christ child, stop at Amahl’s home and ask for food and shelter. As the poor family has nothing to share with the kings, Amahl calls the other shepherds together to feed and entertain the noble visitors. Struggling with poverty, Amahl’s mother decides to steal some of the gold the Kings are planning to give “the child.” She is caught and the tale unfolds.
A magical and musical treat for families and people of all ages, FBC’s Amahl and the Night Visitors will feature Karlten Friedrich as “Amahl,” Sarah Zeringue as the mother, and Brett Barnes, John Raff, and Arturo Rodriguez singing the roles of the Three Kings. The parts of the shepherds will be sung by members from FBC’s Youth, Sanctuary and Cantamos Choirs.
The performances will be held in the church sanctuary on a large raked stage which will provide audiences with the finest viewing opportunities. Featured singers will be accompanied by a small combo of piano, harp, two oboes, a flute, piccolo, and percussion instruments.
Music Director Louise Kemp Avant said the staged operetta has a wonderful message. “It is a heart-warming story of the resiliency of the human spirit, redemption, forgiveness, and God’s great love for humankind.”
Avant, a native Austinite, has been the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Austin for 17 years, after serving in Methodist and Presbyterian congregations in the city. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and a Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Texas. Avant is an active singer with UT’s Choral Arts Society. First Baptist Church has a comprehensive graded choir program for children ages three to 18 as well as three adult choirs, a Handbells ensemble, and a women’s ensemble, Cantamos, who sing for groups around the Austin area.
Stage Director is Cathy Jones, a veteran theatre director. Cathy organized and directed FBC’s "Angels Over Austin" posada at Christmastime for a number of years and has also directed "J.B.", "Incident at Vichy", "Inherit the Wind", "Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "The Fantasticks", and "Steel Magnolias" with Trinity Street Players.
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