Baton Rouge's Christmas opera tradition is back on the Manship calendar. Opéra Louisiane presents Gian Carlo Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors for three performances: Friday, Dec. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., plus a Sunday, Dec. 20, matinee at 3 p.m. at Manship Theatre in the Shaw Center.

The story, briefly

Amahl follows a poor shepherd boy and his widowed mother when the Three Kings stop on their way to Bethlehem. Opéra Louisiane bills the one-act as a holiday favorite packed with melody, humor and a lesson about generous giving that lands well with families.

Who you will hear

The company casts Peregrine Pittman of the Baton Rouge Children's Chorus in the title role, with LSU voice professor Lindsay Kate Brown as the mother and Ghanaian bass Michael Mensah as King Balthazar. LSU School of Music students Brett Ochoa, Nicholas Dieux and Chase Côté appear as King Kaspar, King Melchior and the Page; all three are named to Opéra Louisiane's Young Artist Residency Program. Michael Borowitz conducts, Dennis Jesse directs, and dancers from the Dance Center and School of Performing Arts, led by Jennifer White, add movement.

Pre-show crafts

Optional receptions with children's crafts and refreshments start at 6:30 p.m. before the evening shows and 2 p.m. before the Sunday matinee.

Tickets

Manship sells seats through Opéra Louisiane, with prices listed from about $41.50. Buy at operalouisiane.com or call 225-377-2029. The theater is at 100 Lafayette St. downtown.

Amahl and the Night Visitors Manship Theatre, 100 Lafayette St., Baton Rouge Dec. 18–19, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 20, 3 p.m. operalouisiane.com | 225-377-2029

Photo courtesy of Manship Theatre / Opera Louisiane.