Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University will present its fall opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, with the opening performance on Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20-21, with a matinee on Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $12 each at www.obu.edu/boxoffice.

Amahl and the Night Visitors is an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti. It is a retelling of the story of the Magi from the point of view of a young disabled boy named Amahl, who lives in poverty with his mother near Bethlehem. When the three wise men stop by their meager hut and seek shelter, the mother is blinded by the lure of what the wise men’s gifts for baby Jesus would do for her family. The mother is caught trying to steal some of the treasure but instead receives an unexpected blessing from the Lord.

“With the plot of the opera based on the familiar search of three kings for the young Christ child, the subject matter is also very timely, especially considering the fact that we’re about to enter the Christmas season,” said David Stanley, instructor of music at OBU and director of the show.

“This production is a fantastic reminder to the audience of the significance of giving or offering whatever you may have during this time of the year, no matter where you are in life,” Stanley added. “It's also a great opportunity to enjoy beautiful music performed in a very atmospheric production.”

Operas are typically performed traditionally, sticking to the original music with very few exceptions, but that doesn’t mean the performance won’t be suited for the audience.

“There will be a couple of elements that will bring a fresh, contemporary perspective to the production,” Stanley said, “elements that will help modern audiences relate to the message and bring the story a contemporary context.”

There are also plans to add non-traditional elements to both the opening and closing of the show. Beth Crisler, a junior vocal performance major from Bella Vista, Ark., said, “I don’t want to give any of it away, but I think it gives the whole experience a very Christmasy vibe. It really just brings it home.” Crisler is one of two actresses cast as Amahl’s mother; she will appear on Nov. 20 and 22.

Seth Russell, a senior from Crossett, Ark., plays King Melchior as his final leading role as a vocal performance major. He said the unique perspective of Ouachita’s cast and crew will make the performance stand out, with “the ideas of the actors, the voices, the instrumental musicians and the directors all making the music of Menotti come to life.”

Like Russell, Crisler understands the burden placed on the cast and crew to make an opera something special.

“The biggest challenge I've had with this role is really getting into the character of a mother who is truly desperate. The mother and Amahl are completely down on their luck, they're hungry and they're cold,” Crisler said. “Not only have I never been a mother, but I've never been in this kind of situation before. It's been a very rewarding experience to put myself in the mother's shoes and try to understand what she is going through.”

Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased from the OBU Box Office weekdays from 1-5 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.obu.edu/boxoffice. Current Ouachita students may receive one free ticket upon presentation of their student ID at the box office. For more information, call the box office at (870) 245-5555 during business hours.

 

By Kelsey Bond



 

In addition to Crisler and Russell, principal cast members include:

• Natalie Williams, a senior music major from Little Rock, Ark., as Amahl (Nov. 19 & 21)


• Kaitlyn Thomas, a sophomore music major from Indianola, Miss., as Amahl (Nov. 20 & 22)


• Tori Bateman, a choral music education major from Bonnerdale, Ark., as Amahl’s mother (Nov. 19 & 21)


• Jacob Hemsath, a sophomore musical theatre major from Wylie, Texas, as King Kaspar


• Micah Brooks, a freshman musical theatre major from Rockwall, Texas, as King Balthazar


• Kayla Kreger, a senior choral music education major from Rowlett, Texas, as Babila


• Sarah Cat Williams, a senior biology major from Roland, Ark., as featured dancer

 

The chorus of shepherds and villagers include:

• Jessica Brunson, a freshman vocal performance major from Rockwall, Texas


• Matthew Burns, a freshman choral music education major from Benton, Ark.


• Alec Edmons, a freshman worship arts major from North Little Rock, Ark.


• Tanner Fritsche, a junior choral music education major from Booneville, Ark.


• Margaret Geoffrion, a sophomore worship arts major from Hot Springs, Ark.


• Carrie Hill, a freshman graphic design major from Benton, Ark.


• Amy Lytle, a sophomore worship arts major from Plano, Texas


• Mercedes Mata, a musical theatre arts major from Benton, Ark.


• Taylor McKinney, a senior choral music education major from Little Rock, Ark.


• J.D. Sanders, a freshman worship arts major from Booneville, Ark.


• Scotty Scott, a freshman musical theatre major from Russellville, Ark.


• Lizzie Shelby, a junior vocal performance major from McKinney, Texas


• Shelby Sutton, a senior worship arts major from Little Elm, Texas


• Lauren Terry, a freshman musical theatre major from Evansville, Ind.

 

Lead crew members include:

• Director and Conductor/Music Director: David Stanley, instructor of music


• Director and Set Designer: John Alec Briggs, adjunct instructor of music


• Technical Director: Marshall Pope, theatre shop technical director


• Technical Director: Stephen Vaughn, interim JPAC technical director


• Publicity and Graphic Design: Adam Wheat, fine arts administrator


• Principal Accompanist: Susan Monroe, staff accompanist


• Stage Manager: Kacy Earnest, a sophomore English major from El Dorado, Ark.

 

Members of the orchestra include:

• Esther Atkinson, a sophomore musical theatre major from Rogers, Ark.


• Becky Bloodworth, a junior instrumental music education major from Arlington, Texas


• John Alec Briggs, adjunct instructor of music


• Sarah Coles, a junior accounting major from Van Buren, Ark.


• Seth Daniell, a sophomore music composition major from Arkadelphia, Ark.


• Caroline Dunlap, a junior piano performance major from Little Rock, Ark.


• Carter Harlan, a senior instrumental music education major from Fayetteville, Ark.


• Justin Massey, a senior instrumental music education major from Weatherford, Texas


• Susan Monroe, staff accompanist


• Wes Savage, a senior worship arts major from Rudy, Ark.


• Danielle Schaal, a freshman biology major from Springdale, Ark.


• Blake Turner, sophomore music major from Fort Worth, Texas