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Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents Amahl and the Night Visitors

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View of entire set with blue lighting

The entire opera takes place on a single set that depicts the interior of Amahl + his mother’s home and its surroundings | Photo by Don Ipock

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Amahl and the Night Visitors, an original production by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City (712 E. 18th St.), is a familiar holiday story with a charming twist.

The show is a family-friendly + unique telling of the first Christmas, complete with live singing + puppets.

6 handmade puppets standing inside old house set

Amahl and the Night Visitors was created in collaboration with master puppeteer Paul Mesner | Photo by Don Ipock

Amahl and the Night Visitors will open Thurs., Dec. 2 + run thru Sun., Dec. 12 (showtimes vary) and tickets are now available. Bonus: On Thursday night performances, families are invited to participate in a Q+A with the cast following the show.

What to know before you go:

Individuals 12+ must be vaccinated. Children under 12 can be admitted with a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance.

Composed by Gian Carlo Menotti + directed by James Smith, all performances will be held in The Michael and Ginger Frost Production Arts Building.

About the story:

Amahl and the Night Visitors seamlessly pairs live singing + music with masterful puppetry to tell the story of three kings (the Magi) who have traveled from faraway lands to bring gifts to a child born in Bethlehem.

When the Magi stop to rest for the night, they are taken in by an impoverished, disabled boy (Amahl) and his mother. Amahl is dazzled both by their stories + the exotic treasures they carry, but the humble host will soon show them what it truly means to give with a generous heart, triggering a miraculous ending to this inspiring story.

Little boy puppet standing on one foot and speaking

Engage in the experience by watching videos, listening to excerpts, learning about the story + answering questions in the virtual Engagement Guide | Photo by Don Ipock

Based on Italian folktales of the Nativity + the Epiphany, Amahl and the Night Visitors is an imaginative, unique telling of the first Christmas.

An original Lyric Opera of Kansas City production, the show was created in collaboration with master puppeteer Paul Mesner. It’s a heartwarming holiday tradition designed with families in mind that you can only experience here in KC.

Woman puppet talking to 3 men puppets

Amahl and the Night Visitors is performed in English with English subtitles | Photo by Don Ipock

Tickets are available now for $35 for a single ticket or $31.50 as a subscriber add-on. Pro tip: The Lyric Opera of Kansas City offers 3 subscription options for those who frequent the theater.*

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