History provided by Sharon Harris
Amahl was last performed at American Lutheran January 15 and 16,
2004 and went on tour to two churches in Powell, Wyoming.
Performances were a special benefit for Interfaith Hospitality
Network IHN in Billings. In Wyoming, Amahl productions benefited
for Loaves and Fishes. Dr. Bob Morrison designed puppets for
this particular production so there were singers and then large,
over-sized puppets to act out the opera. The affect was
fascinating.
Billings Symphony Orchestra produced Amahl
at the ABT December 17, 1995. Ed Harris sang the role of King
Melchior. Krista Marshall was one of the dancers, Nancy Downing
was in the shepherds chorus along with Gary Treglown and others.
Hall Diteman stage directed and Jeff Boshee designed and built
the sets.
Uri Barnea directed the BSO production, Julie
Bishop sang the role of Mother, Bret Weston sang the role of
King Balthazar.
Larry Nitz, Hall and Ed are gone now.
At the American Lutheran Church production in 2004,
Kelly Martin was lighting director and Rev. Linda Rose sang the
role of Mother. Tim Tostengard at American Lutheran might have
some recollections as well since he and Ed worked together to
make this happen.
Amahl was also done around 1967 – 1969
when Julian Patrick was Artist in Residence with Rocky Mountain
College and staged at 1st Presbyterian Church. Opera singer
Elizabeth Rowen sang the role of Mother.
