The premiere theatrical event of the Christmas scene in San Diego 2007 must be Lyric Opera’s production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” penned for ABC television by American composer Gian Carlo Menotti in 1961. For 15 years it was telecast annually and is among this music lover’s earliest musical memories.
The simple yet profound libretto recounts the story of Amahl, a young shepherd boy who lives with his mother in a hut in the hills. There used to be sheep and a goat, Amahl tells a visitor, but his mother had to sell the sheep and the goat, which gave him “warm, sweet milk “¦ died of old age “¦ and now there is no goat left.” At curtain rise, the crippled Amahl plays sweetly on his pipe under a starry sky, and when Mother calls him to come in, he tells her of the star he saw with a tail like fire. She calls him a liar. When the Three Wise Men come to the door seeking shelter, they tell her of following the star and she is convinced. Neighbors bring food. They dance and leave. And then there is a miracle. One would think that after so many experiences of this simple tale, rife with melody and simply told, one would be inured to it and emotionally callous; and yet, no matter the quality of the production, one is profoundly affected and filled with the real joy of the season.
Boy soprano Spike Summers, who performed Amahl in Common Ground Theatre’s production last year at St. Paul’s Cathedral, sounds even better in the North Park Theatre. Under the direction of J. Sherwood Montgomery, Summers’ performance is larger, more easily understood and even more amusing. His sweet, lovable Amahl has spunk.
Excellent diction, admirable musicianship, lovely singing and touching dramatic truth pervade the production. Bombay-born, Del Mar-raised UCSD graduate Priti Gandhi makes her role debut as Mother. Her first “Amahl!” sends shivers up and down one’s spine, for this is also the former mezzo’s debut as a soprano. The choice is obviously a good one: her voice has blossomed into radiance. Watch for big things; the woman is on her way.
One can’t imagine a better trio of kings. Tenor Daniel Hall portrays the “slightly deaf” Kaspar; imposing in stature and vocal gifts, Michael L. Morgan sings Balthazar; and Robert Aaron Taylor is a mellifluous and clearly understood Melchior. Their blend and musicianship are truly impressive, and one thrills to their arrival and tearfully observes their departure.
The chorus comports admirably and sings with sweet simplicity in this transparent, naïve music that is in truth treacherously difficult. The orchestra performs well under the baton of Leon Natker, and Shirley Johnston’s traditional choreography hues to tradition, as does Montgomery’s set. The underappreciated Pam Stompoly-Ericson’s costumes range from homespun to regal without glitz.
Though the opera has been performed live in San Diego on numerous occasions, there were some in the Dec. 14 opening night audience experiencing it for the first time, including the child seated behind me, who first snored and then coughed his way through the one-act opera while his father repeated every line aloud. The critic determined not to let these distractions undermine her enjoyment of what turned out to be a magnificent performance, clearly at the apex of many live and telecast versions. Kudos to Lyric Opera.
“Amahl and the Night Visitors” continues through Dec. 23 at the North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave., San Diego. Remaining performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 22 and 23. For tickets ($30-$50, children 5-17 half-price) visit www.lyricoperasandiego.org or call (619) 239-8836.
