Menotti: Amahl and the Night Visitors

After recently being reunited with an old friend, Amahl and the Night Visitors, I am compelled to spread cheer about this absolutely marvelous little opera.During my second Christmas season ever I sat on the living room floor with eyes glued to our old Hoffman television set, mesmerized by the black and white broadcast of a magical tale. That 1955 version of Amahl forever changed my life. From that day forth I knew that my path would be toward Theatre or the movies. Something deep inside said that is where I belong. Though I was but 2 years old that evening, I understood the joy and power of a well-crafted story. And, with complete certainty I knew that someday it would be my turn to help bring that wonder to an audience.Then, in 1963 I learned that Amahl would return to 'The Tube', so I planned well to not miss the Christmas-time broadcast. My expectation was for just a nice reunion, reviving fond childhood memories. Wrong! I was BLOWN AWAY! Kurt Yaghjian captivated me that night, and set the scene for yet another reunion.During my time at West High School in Phoenix, our Concert Choir performed the Music of Amahl in 1968, as part of our regular main stage Christmas show. Our choir director and friend/leader/teacher/father confessor Serge Huff had to work hard to calm my excitement when he announced that we would perform Amahl in December.In the Forty odd years since Menotti's story first entered my life I felt lucky to have three encounters with his creation. Then, in 2009 when I found a DVD version offered at Amazon I could not believe it. With no hesitation I ordered it.I make no claim to be a reviewer, but as a devoted fan of Amahl dating to 1955, I believe my opinions are well founded and represent a profound respect for all the characters and their music. Add to this a lifetime spent in Theatre as Lighting Director, House Electrician, and Actor, I humbly submit that my words of praise here are more than that of a casual viewer, or even those of a Theatre guy with experience in performance. I hope you feel my love for Amahl and the Night Visitors.While I do recommend this version of Amahl, simply because it is the only one available on any medium so far, I say without hesitation that this is not the best of them. I have watched all the versions ever produced or broadcast, and there is but one that captures the true charm of this tale.One review of the DVD leads with the comment that this Billy McIver version is the "quintessential" Amahl. In my opinion this assertion is groundless and narrow-minded. The ONLY quintessential version is that production which aired three times between 1963 and 1965, staring Kurt Yaghjian. Not only is this performance my sentimental favorite, but of ALL the boys who played Amahl, on stage or Television (all of which I have seen), Kurt best captured the boyish characteristics of imagination, innocence, insatiable curiosity, and devotion to his mother. It's not even close. In addition to his masterful job of acting, including the excellent physical business with his crutch, Kurt's voice sounds more like a little boy than any of the other actors.To illustrate the quality of the Kurt Yaghjian performance, you need only watch and listen to his "Don't You Dare" solo to feel the deep empathy for his mother. Or, consider the duet between Amahl and Kaspar during the number, "This Is My Box" - a mesmerizing bit of work between two actors living completely in the moment. And, what of the imposing character of the King Basso - man what a scary yet empathetic Balthazar - none better.Finally, I argue to dispel the so-called disdain by Menotti of this version of Amahl. From my readings of people who were there, and of his own comments, t is obvious that Gian Carlo's disapproval was based upon politics and ego, and not production value. Menotti did not dislike the performance; rather he was ticked-off at being left out of the taping. It is a damned shame that the Kurt Yaghjian's Amahl has been kept from us all these years due to a pissing contest between Gian Carlo and NBC.I here and now make a plea to anyone still holding the distribution rights to release the video taped version of this Kurt Yaghjian production for DVD sale, so we all can enjoy this wonderful performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors - the best of them all. Please bring back the magic of that time when as a boy myself, I lived for a short time inside Amahl's character, while watching the wonderful story of a boy who knew no limits on life or love.Please give a profound Christmas gift to the world and release this Amahl.(revised APR2018)

This is a film recording (kinescope) of the 1955 live telecast of Menotti's treasured opera. The performers are all excellent, and the mother and Amahl are splendid. Bill McIver as Amahl is extremely earnest and blessed with beautiful singing throughout. The kings blend well in their songs. The dances featuring the townspeople are very nice indeed. The orchestra is excellent.This production was staged for television, in television's early days, under the supervision of the composer. By today's standards, the staging and props are sparse. For example, the scenes outside the home use the bare studio floor, without any attempt to create realism. The talents of the performers rise above these shortcomings.From a technical perspective, this is of course a very old recording in black and white, with mono sound. The high frequencies of the recording have been lost, possibly in a misguided attempt to reduce noise inherent in the original. The result is that some of the words are very hard to understand. I find it helpful to turn on the English subtitles while watching it. There are several cameras used for different angles, and each has its own characteristic of grain and contrast -- an interesting window into the technical aspects of early television. This was a live telecast, and so the camera operators were responsible for panning as various scenes unfold; there are occasional minor misses during some scenes.Amahl was first telecast in 1951, with the original broadcast being available at the Museum of Broadcast Communications Archives. The scene compositions and camera angles of this production are nearly identical with the original 1951 performance. In general, this 1955 production is smoother and more mature than the 1951 original. Many cast members reprise their roles from the original production, with the notable exception of Bill McIver here as Amahl which was originally performed by Chet Allen. Bill McIver held this role for several successive annual productions.The special features on the DVD are really interesting, especially the interview with Rosemary Kuhlmann (the mother) where she discusses at length her experience working with Menotti and the other actors in this and other productions of Amahl.

As a young boy growing up in the deep south, I was "introduced" to this classic production by my parents during the Christmas holiday. This production became a "regular" for my family during the Christmas season sponsored by Hallmark Cards. After seeing it at age 10, I would anxiously await its return each year during the Christmas season. Eventually, as an adult youth worker, I was able to produce and present this classic story through a local church youth choral group. This is the original, black and white edition filled with memories, classic music and story line of the three wise men in search of the Christ Child born in Bethlehem. A true classic that I have enjoyed for 70+ years!

I saw this production on a B&W televisionn way back in the 50s and didn't realise that a copy of it was available on DVD until recently .The production was as I remembered it and the interview with Rosemary Kuhlmann was a pleasant and enjoyable bonus. The music that Gian Carlo Menotti composed gets inside your head and you are hearing it for days, no weeks, afterwards. simple but haunting melodies. Glad that I got it.

I enjoyed the whole experience, having been King Caspar in our school production in 1963

Very moving work well performed - outstanding boy singer in the lead. Has the production limitations of vintage television productions but is too good to miss. Wish a libretto had been included.

More than five star.Was a piece of my family's Christmas evenings many years ago.Now my granddaughters will have that pleasure.45 minutes of old world magic

superb!