London Hibbs plays the character Amahl during the dress rehearsal Thursday with orchestra for Marvin UMC's production of Amahl and the Night Visitors, a children's opera. The Children's Opera that will be performed at Marvin on January 8 and 9 at 7 pm in the Sanctuary and Sunday morning Jan 10 at 8:30 and 11 am. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Marvin United Methodist Church will present four performances of the opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” starting today. 

The family-friendly opera, which was first performed for live television in 1951, tells the story of the three kings who visited Jesus from the perspective of a child named Amahl, who meets the kings on their journey and ultimately decides to give something very valuable to the Christ child.

The opera is in English and lasts about one hour. The cast will include 10 Marvin members, many who have extensive musical performance experience and some of whom have performed around the world.

Jim Broussard, Marvin’s director of music and fine arts, will conduct and the Marvin Orchestra and Marvin Chancel Choir will perform. 

Broussard said he hopes people will be touched by Amahl’s innocence and generosity, “that he gives his most valued possession, his crutch, he wants to give it to the child they’re seeking.” 

The free performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at Marvin United Methodist Church, 300 W. Erwin St., in Tyler. 

 

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If you go

Who: Marvin United Methodist Church

What: Amahl and the Night Visitors, a one-act opera

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday

Where: 300 W. Erwin St., in Tyler

Cost: Free