Bethany Baptist Choir will reprise its 2013 Christmas performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” Amahl_1951This was the first opera written for TV and its live TV performance on December 24, 1951, was also the debut production of the Hallmark Hall of Fame. (You can view it here if you were unable to attend the Bethany performance. Read more about it here.)

The story: “Amahl, a disabled boy who can walk only with a crutch and has a problem with telling tall tales and, occasionally, lying. He is sitting outside playing his shepherd’s pipe when his mother calls for him. After much persuasion, he enters the house but his mother does not believe him when he tells her there is an amazing star “as big as a window” outside over their roof .” Shortly thereafter, they are visited by three Kings who are looking for a Holy Child.

2014 Cast

This year’s cast includes Diane Cushing (Mother), Jacob Bump (Amahl), Bruce Wallace, Ed Paddock and Joe Kotoch as the three kings.  The other members of the choir provide the roles of shepherds and shepherdesses.

2013 Cast and Photos

Amahl & Mother

Amahl (Jake Bump) & Mother (Diane Cushing)

Ed Paddock, Joe Kotoch, Jim Walgren, Brendon MacKay

Ed Paddock, Joe Kotoch, Jim Walgren (3 Kings), Brendon MacKay (Steward)

Shepherds & Shepherdesses (the choir)

Shepherds & Shepherdesses (the choir)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View the photo gallery here.