Alumni and Students to Direct, Choreograph, and Perform in One-Act Opera
Kristoph DiMaria ’07 will direct fellow alumni and current students in performances of the one-act opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. The performances, which will take place in the Taylor Auditorium on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. and are free, are part of the School of Music’s Chamber Music Series.
Amahl and the Night Visitors is a one-act opera with words and music written by Gian Carlo Menotti, with an original English libretto by the composer. It tells the story of Amahl, a disabled boy who can walk only with a crutch. He is miraculously healed when he offers his crutch to “the Child,” while accompanying three kings on their journey.
Isabella Kreitner, who studied Performing Arts: Music at the College and performed with the Vocal Chamber Ensemble and Chorus, plays Amahl, channeling a fun and playful energy for the role. “I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful opera and hope it becomes a tradition at SUNY Schenectady for years to come,” Isabella said. “Being able to let loose and have fun in a freeing, supportive environment was an experience I have never gotten before. I hope everyone who gets the opportunity to see the show leaves feeling uplifted, smiling and ready for the holiday season!”
DiMaria returns to campus to Stage Direct the shows. After graduating with their degree in Performing Arts: Music, Kristoph completed a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, Music at the University at Albany, was a member of The Lucky Jukebox Brigade, clowned as Ragliacci, co-founded Will Kempe’s Players Cooperative and the Social Justice Artist Collective. In addition to performing, they have directed local productions of The Lorax, Anansi, Comedy of Errors, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Destination: Nowhere! They continue to be a performer, playwright, composer, educator, director, theatre maker — and now partner and parent.
“It is a joyful gift to return to SUNY Schenectady serving as a guest artist, educator, and Stage Director for Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Kristoph shared. “I love the growth that the School of Music has undergone to support and uplift the musical education of Capital Region students.”
Choreographing the show is Caley Lacey ’18 whose experience with dance/choreography includes years of training in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, tap, ballroom, Latin, and more. She has worked as a choreographer for local musicals including Matilda, Little Shop of Horrors, and Musical of Musicals with Schenectady Light Opera Company and Not So Common Players.
After graduating with her degree in Performing Arts: Music, Caley went to SUNY Fredonia to earn her BFA in Dance where she was involved in the Fredonia Dance Ensemble. She is now the excited owner of Modern Art Theater and Dance Academy in Scotia.
“I am blessed to have the opportunity to work on this opera,” Caley shared. “I have always loved teaching and dancing, so I am thankful for all opportunities I receive to do what I love! 'Let us praise His name with dancing!' Psalms 149."
In addition to Kreitner, the cast includes:
Areli Mendoza-Pannone ’20
Anthony Mucci, Performing Arts: Music major
Devin Canavally ’18
and
LayVon Scott, Performing Arts: Music major
The Vocal Chamber Ensemble will perform under the direction of Dr. Joseph Han, Choral Director, Vocal Area Coordinator, and Assistant Professor, who also serves as Conductor of the show. The orchestra will feature faculty, students and friends of the School of Music.