Barn Opera’s ‘Amahl’ a powerful holiday tradition

https://www.rutlandherald.com/features/vermont_arts/barn-opera-s-amahl-a-powerful-holiday-tradition/article_7a5b3c09-6836-5b43-9349-ae52287f7830.html

December 24, 2023

Barn Opera Barn Opera presents “From Venice to Vermont,” its annual New Year’s Eve gala, 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 at the Brandon Inn, 20 Park St. in Brandon. The Venetian-style masquerade ball features dinner and a concert of opera arias followed by dancing and partying at Club Brandon. Tickets are $100; go online to www.barnopera.com

‘Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Gian Carlo Menotti’s Christmas opera, is a tiny masterpiece that in 50 minutes very simply distills the essence of Christianity — and the ethic of other major religions.

Barn Opera, Brandon’s ambitious professional company, created a minimalist touring production that it took to Salisbury Congregational on Thursday and the Williston Federated Church for two performances each. The Williston evening performance, though with rudimentary staging, was beautifully sung, dramatically effective and went straight to the heart of the opera.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” premiered on NBC on Christmas Eve in 1951, which presented it every holiday season through 1966, when the rights reverted to the composer.

NBC commissioned Menotti who also wrote the English libretto to create an opera specifically for television, hence the short length. Although Menotti prevented the opera from being presented again until 1978, it has become a staple of the Christmas season worldwide.

The simple tale centers on Amahl, a poor disabled young shepherd boy who can walk only with a crutch, and has a penchant for lying. He lives near Bethlehem with his mother who is distraught over their poverty and her inability to help Amahl. Unexpectedly, one night they are visited by three kings needing a night of rest on their way to honor the Christ child.

Neighbors bring food and firewood to make the kings comfortable in this humble setting, and they rest peacefully. During the night, however, Amahl’s mother attempts to steal just a tiny bit of the treasure the kings are bearing to help Amahl but is caught by the kings’ page. What ensues is pandemonium and two miracles — one human, one divine.

The Barn Opera production, directed by Artistic Director Joshua Collier, benefited from a stellar performance by soprano Helen Lyons, known to many as a Vermont Public Classical host. She used her rich soprano expressively and, when called for, tenderly. Ambrose Cusick was a wonderfully impish Amahl, who employed his light soprano to exude slyness and genuine innocence.

Together Lyons and Cusick were convincing as the heart of the show.

The three kings were one and all a delight. Nicolas Tocci as King Melchior had the most powerful aria in which he used his delicious bass to say that the child they were going to visit didn’t need earthly wealth. Collier, an Italianate tenor, sang brilliantly and proved witty as Kaspar, the nearly deaf king who befriended Amahl. Baritone Cailin Marcel Manson had great gravity as King Balthazar — with a sly touch of wit.

Cameron Wescott was effective as the page, while the chorus of shepherd-neighbors was made up of area community members. Despite the questionable sounding electronic “piano,” Kristen Carr did a fine job replacing the orchestra.

Out of necessity — the performance was in the middle of the altar — staging was often clumsy, but that was helped by making use of the aisles and the rear. Giving the show focus and atmosphere was surprisingly effective lighting by Russ McColman.

Barn Opera’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” tour has completed its fourth year in Salisbury, first in Williston. It might not be a bad idea, in future years, to begin with a weekend of fully staged performances at the Barn Opera House in Brandon with the tour following.

With “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Barn Opera has created a deeply meaningful tradition adding to the joy of the holidays.