Auditions: Amahl & the Night Visitors
Friday | September 22 | 5-7 pm
Saturday | September 23 | 10 am – 12 pm
Sunday | September 24 | 4-6 pm
Faith Lutheran Church | 1717 W Service Dr.
fclwinona.org
Dear Musical Friend,
We encourage you to audition for Gian Carlo Menotti’s beautiful, warm, beloved hour-long opera. It’s the story of Amahl, a young shepherd boy with an injured leg who lives alone with his poor widowed mother near Bethlehem. She has had to sell all their sheep, and now they have no food and no fuel left in the house. While playing his shepherd’s pipe and gazing at the night sky with his head full of dreams, Amahl sees a huge star. Later that night, three kings and their page stop at their cottage looking for a place to rest on their long journey following the star. The star burns on through the night and in the small hut as dawn approaches, a miracle occurs.
We’re looking for people who love to sing and build community. The music is simple, rich and melodic. A small pit orchestra will accompany the singers. Leading roles require strong singers.
There are six leading roles: Amahl (a soprano about 10 years old), his mother (a soprano, 30s), the three kings (all adult men, a tenor, baritone, and baritone/bass) and the kings’ page (18 or older, a baritone). A choir of 20 – 30 shepherds (SATB, ages 10 through adults), also plays an important part in the show.
Auditions are designed to be low-stress. Those auditioning should dress in comfortable clothes and shoes, come at the beginning of the audition session and plan to stay about two hours. We begin with a short vocal warmup, an easy song is learned as a group and then individuals sing that song solo. All will participate in some acting activities based on the story. The atmosphere will be relaxed and supportive. We want all of us to have fun.
Call-backs will be scheduled if necessary.
Rehearsals will be held at Faith Lutheran Church during October and November. We will try to develop a schedule that works best for everyone. We will make good use of your time. Not everyone will be scheduled for every rehearsal.
To be considered for a part, you MUST be available for the production dates, Dec. 8th, 9th and 10th and the dress rehearsal, December 7th.
For over 70 years this jewel of a show has inspired people of all ages with its beauty, its humor and its tenderness. If you’re looking for a fun, fulfilling challenge and the chance to work with a good group of people on a show that just shines, come to auditions. We’d love to see you walk through the doors!
Please feel free to share this information with friends. If you have questions, call us at (507) 474-4360 or email, worthley@hbci.com. We’re excited about beginning this journey. Hope you will consider joining us. See you at the auditions!
Karin Worthley, Director and Jim Worthley, Music Director