‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ coming to isle

The Hawaii Performing Arts Festival presents Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” Nov. 23 at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu and Nov. 24 at Gates Performing Arts Center in Waimea.

The opera, sung in English, tells the tale of the three magi taking respite from their travels in the hut of a poor widow and her crippled son. More secular than sacred, it is a story of self-sacrifice, compassion and the miracles that occur when one boy takes a leap of faith.

The cast is comprised of past festival faculty and guest artists, as well as members of the Hawaii Opera Theatre. Big Island vocalists make up the chorus. Ignace “Iggy” Jang, festial string director and concertmaster of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, festival General Manager Jason Gamer and festival artistic director Val Underwood will accompany.

The festival introduces 10-year-old boy soprano Pablo Rubin-Jurado of Honolulu, a virtuoso violinist and vocalist.

Peabody Southwell sings the part of Amahl’s mother. She previously appeared in the festival’s “The Tragedy of Carmen” and “L’Allegro.” Southwell has starred at opera companies across the nation, including Long Beach Opera and Central City Opera. The production is directed by James Darrah with costumes designed by Sarah Schuessler.

A holiday concert led by Beth Dunnington will precede each show, starting at 7 p.m. Kona Music Society’s Youth Chorus will perform at the Aloha Theatre.

General admission tickets are $30 in advance; $35 at the door; $15 for those younger than 12. Premium seating is sold in advance at $50 per ticket. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org or call 333-7378. Donations of nonperishable food items to support local food banks will be accepted at each performance.