Light Opera of New Jersey presents "Amahl and the Night Visitors"

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/03/2026

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- This holiday season, Light Opera of New Jersey (LONJ) invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved one-act opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors.

First performed on NBC in 1951, Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the story of Amahl, a young boy who lives with his mother and whose life is transformed one magical evening when three mysterious kings arrive at their home. Traveling to Bethlehem to honor a newborn child, the Kings seek shelter for the night. What follows is a touching story of generosity, faith, sacrifice, and the extraordinary power of a simple gift.

With its beautiful music, enchanting story, and intimate setting, Amahl and the Night Visitors has become a holiday favorite around the world. LONJ’s production offers audiences the opportunity to experience this treasured work performed live, bringing Menotti’s music and story to life.

Directed by Susan Speidel with music direction by Alla Milchtein, the production captures the childlike wonder at the heart of Menotti’s opera while making it accessible to audiences who may be experiencing opera for the first time.

The cast includes Kingston Nahm-Korn (Amahl), Carlyle Quinn (Mother), Joe Haughton (King Kaspar), Thomas Donelan (King Melchiore), Victor Clark (King Balthazar), and Marcello Fois (Page). The ensemble includes Carolyn Anderson, Michael Baruffi, Julianne Froelich, Changkuo Hsieh, Diana Malenkova, Sydney Perez, Lenna Rao, and Emi Simonds.

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“We wanted to create more than a performance—we wanted to create a holiday experience that families could share and remember together,” said Artistic Director Jason Tramm. “Amahl and the Night Visitors captures so much of what makes this season special: beautiful music, humor, wonder, and a story filled with heart. At its core is a timeless reminder that the greatest gifts are often found in generosity, compassion, and what we are willing to give to one another.” The Morristown location, just minutes from downtown Morristown and the Morris Museum, provides an intimate setting for this special holiday production.

Performances take place Saturday, December 5 at 2:30pm & 7:30pm; and Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 2:30pm. The venue is the Morristown Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (21 Normandy Heights Road) in Morristown, New Jersey. Tickets Adults $45, Students $25, Children Under 11 Free. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Whether you are a longtime opera lover or have never attended an opera before, Amahl and the Night Visitors offers an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the season, and share a story that reminds us that even the smallest act of generosity can have a profound impact.

Light Opera of New Jersey is dedicated to producing professional performances of musical theater and opera, showcasing exceptional talent in an engaging and accessible environment for greater New Jersey audiences.