Collinsville High School Choirs, under the direction of CHS Choral Music Director Mrs. Lisa Cleveland, are performing with SIUE Opera Theatre, Highland Evangelical UCC Choir and Starlight Dance Studio in a production of Amahl and the Night Visitors on Friday, December 14, 2018 in the CHS Performing Arts Auditorium.
The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5.
The one-act opera by Gian-Carlo Menotti is the story of a boy, Amahl, who can walk only with a crutch. He is living with his mother in first century Bethlehem when they receive visitors: three kings from a far-away land on a journey to meet a newborn child.
“Dr. Marc Schapman from SIUE will conduct. The accompaniment will be two pianos and a flute. The ballet segment will be performed by members of Starlight Dance Studio,” says Cleveland, “The principal characters will be portrayed by the SIUE Opera Theater Class. The chorus of villagers and shepherds will be performed by our own CHS Choir.”
CHS Choirs received training from Opera Theatre St. Louis company members during an Opera on the Go! workshop at the high school in October.
“There is some comedy, some drama, a miracle, costumes, dance and lots of music in this 50-minute production,” says Cleveland.
The collaborating artists behind this production are Mrs. Cleveland, Dr. Shipman and Mrs. Lisa Trout of Starlight Dance Studio. The production will also be presented on Sunday, December 16 at Highland EvUCC at 9:00 a.m.