Village Church Community Theater in Rancho Santa Fe holding auditions for ‘Amahl’

The Village Church Community Theater announces auditions for the role of Amahl in the production, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” (fully staged with live orchestra). The auditions will be from 4-7 p.m. May 28 at the Village Community Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe.

Amahl is the lead role for a boy soprano, approximately 10-12 years old. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6. Audition requirements: Perform a memorized 1- to 2-minute song of your choice and a musical excerpt from the opera. An accompanist will be provided if needed. For audition information, which will provide the excerpt for the audition and an appointment, contact: margiew@villagechurch.org or call 858-756-2441, ext. 128.

Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is a retelling of the story of the Magi from the point of view of a crippled boy named Amahl who lives in poverty with his widowed mother near Bethlehem. He sees a bright star in the sky one night and tells his mother to go look, but she brushes him off, buried in concern over their bleak future. That night, three kings come across their meager hut and seek shelter, for they have traveled long and far following the star of which Amahl has spoken. They bring with them treasure and gifts to give to “the Child” who has just been born and will reign over all. Blinded by the lure of their gold and what it could do for her family, the mother attempts to steal just a bit of the treasure, but is caught. What no one expects is a gift far greater than gold: Blessed by the Child, Amahl finds himself suddenly cured of his disability.

A vivid and accessible tale originally created for television, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is a perfect family one-hour opera.