Music in the aria
An ambitious production of the traditional holiday opera Amahl and the Night Visitors is being staged by Island Theatre Works (ITW). Director Lee Fierro teams with musical director Peter Boak of the Island Community Chorus to showcase gifted Islanders in this one-act opera by Gian-Carlo Menotti. Performed in English, it combines all the elements of traditional opera with an inventive and contemporary structure. It was written for a televised production in 1951, and tells of miracles and human generosity through the story of a crippled boy who is visited by the magi on their way to see the newborn Christ.
The show at the Katharine Cornell Theatre opens Jan. 11 at 7:30 pm. Performances are Jan. 13, at 3 pm., Jan. 17 through Jan. 19 at 7:30, and the final show on Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 pm. Tickets are $15. Contact 508-693-5290.
Children's creative drama
Phyllis Vecchia begins her creative drama workshop for children age four and a half to ten years old this month. Beginning Jan. 24 and running until March 27, the class will meet on Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:45 pm. Each week, a new folk or fairy tale is introduced. With that theme in mind, children will do theatre warm-ups, character warm-ups, hear a story, dress up in costume, perform, play theatre games, or work with puppets. No creative drama experience is needed. Call Phyllis at 508-696-8738 for more information and to register.
Beatles radio
Every Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm, Ray Whitaker hosts "Just Four Guys," an hour-long podcast on mvyradio.com. The show, dedicated to the Beatles, has a different weekly theme. The next show, Jan. 8, concentrates on the musical rivalry between Lennon and McCartney, and Brian Wilson. For more information, visit mvyradio.com.
Writing for children
Marilyn Hollinshead is holding another Writing for Children critique night. The group will meet this coming Monday, Jan. 7 from 7 to 9 pm. Call Marilyn at 508-693-5803 for directions. The group meets regularly and there is no charge.
