Photos with Kings

Photographs with the Three Kings are accessible through this link: Three Kings and a Camel

Curtain Call Dec. 21

Dec. 20

Dress Rehearsal

Day after Christmas and all is quiet. This gave us some time to download and edit photos.
Amahl Album

Photos!!!

We have a few photos to share through this link: Amahl Album. We'll continue to post photos to this web album so visit this blog again after Christmas. Meantime, the choir will be singing and ringing at Midnight Mass (carols at 10:30 p.m. with Christmas carols) and at the 12 noon mass on Christmas Day.

"Thank you, good friends, for your dances and your gifts"

Thank you Francesco alleRuzzo for bringing Amahl and the Night Visitors to St. Mel. Thanks to all who joyfully gave their time and talent to this major undertaking: Noreen Green, Joseph and Vida Schmidt, Tony and Carol Potter, Melissa Pollard, Ken Fancher, Joseph Schmidt, Linda Badran, Susan Montalvo, Tricia Coughlin, Glenn and Cecille Waggner, Al Rossi, Mark Boals, Carol Stephenson, Maura Piazza, Zita Berger, Jeremy Eichberg, Robert Mendow, Cayman Coughlin, Lisa Waggner, Susie Penney, Marijo de Mattos, Chris Venuti, Bob McCullough, Rick Wilkinson, Paul Piazza, Linda Badran, Kathleen Benson, Julianna Campbell, Laura Gantenbein, Kelleen Hammermesh, Vikki James, David and Monica McGarva, Phil Newton, Bea Williams, Janeen Pedersen, Barbara Taylor, Diane Wentzel, Amara Aimufua, Ivieosa Aimufua, Lelosa Aimufua, Anna Mia Bresin, Heather Hardenberg, Hunter Hardenberg, Alyssa Schultz, Dylan Venuti, Jenna Venuti, Kelsey Venuti, Morgan Montalvo, Lulu Clink, Gigi Grombacher, Bob Oedy, Justin Viceral, Frank Hules, Cathy Cygan, Dorothy Collins, Ellie Maat, Lili Gleeson, Emily Ormond, Margot Hird, Bridget Timberlake, Claire Raft, Audrey Vasquez, Precy Seraspi, Tyleese Potter, Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.
Special thanks to Monsignor Helmut Hefner, Rosemary McLarty and Parish Staff, St. Mel School, An Xiao Photography

The Gifts of the Magi

Gold
Gold was the usual offering presented to kings by their subjects, or those wanting to pay respects. It seems that the metal we know as gold has always held extremely high value - as long ago as 2,500 BC, gold was especially prized as a medium of exchange. Gold is enduring, and can withstand all natural acids and even fire. The value of gold as a gift for royalty carries obvious significance. Gold is precious and worthy across all cultures and times. It says to the Christ child, You are the King.


Frankincense
Frankincense is produced by cutting the bark of the Boswellia tree and collecting the hardened sap that results. This gum hardens for three months, and is gathered at the end of the summer, and sold in the form of "tears", or clumps of hardened resin. Frankincense is highly fragrant when burned, and was, therefore, used in worship, where it was burned as a pleasant offering to God. ("Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the LORD for the generations to come. - Exodus 30:7,8) ("He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense and take them behind the curtain." Leviticus 16:12). Frankincense has also been used for perfume and its medicinal and soothing properties. Ancient physicians used frankincense for almost every malady, believing it to have a calming, restorative, gently clarifying, and meditative uses. Frankincense oil was thought to have stimulating, toning, and warming properties. In our Catholic rituals we follow the practice of ancient peoples who burned frankincense, believing it to carry their prayers to heaven. Its use as incense illustrates the divinity of Jesus and his role as our Priest.

Myrrh
Myrrh was also a highly valued article of the Arabian trade. This aromatic gum is produced from a thorn-bush that grows in North Africa, Red Sea, Arabia and Ethiopia, and was obtained in the same manner as frankincense. This thorny tree, called "Cammiphora Myrrha", is similar to the acacia. It grows from eight to ten feet high, and is thorny. When it oozes from the wounded shrub, myrrh is a pale yellow color at first, but as it hardens, it changes to dark red or even black color.This is perhaps the most mysterious of the Gifts. Myrrh is considered a wound healer because of its strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Calling it mo yao, the Chinese used it for centuries to treat wounds, bruises and bleeding and to relieve painful swelling. But its most notable use in ancient times was that of an embalming material, used in Egyptian mummies.
However, if frankincense represents sweetness, myrrh represents bitterness. Myrrh is an Arabic word for bitter, the name itself was given to it on account of its bitter taste. It was used chiefly in embalming the dead, because it had the property of preserving them from decay. (John 19:39) It was much used in Egypt and in Judea. It was at an early period an article of commerce, (Genesis 37:25) and was an ingredient of the holy ointment (Exodus 30:23). It was also used as an agreeable perfume (Esther 2:12; Psalms 45:8; Proverbs 7:17). For many of the ancients, myrrh was considered to be a favorite perfume, said to keep its fragrance for several hundred years when kept in an alabaster pot. Myrrh also had medicinal qualities, sometimes mingled with wine to form an article of drink. Such a drink was given to our Savior, when about to be crucified, as a stupefying potion, (Mark 15:23; Matthew 27:34).
Myrrh then is brought as a gift to acknowledge the human suffering that Jesus partook of when He came into our world. As an embalming ointment it signified that He was born to Die for the world. In fact, Myrrh was one of the burial spices of Jesus (John 19:39).

The Night Visitors and Their Gifts

In AMAHL and the NIGHT VISITORS, the "Night Visitors" are the biblical three "Wise Men", "Magi" or "Kings" who were en route to bringing rare and precious gifts to the Christ Child. The prophetic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh were gifts fit for a king so we know that these "Night Visitors" gave their best in honor to the One they believed to be the King, the Messiah. Together, the three types of gifts represent the three roles of Jesus the Messiah: His kingly office is represented by Gold, His divinity by frankincense, and His manhood by myrrh. They offered him incense as their God; gold as their King, and myrrh, as Man, subject to suffering and death. Also, it's clear that the providence of God is seen in these gifts. It provided the means necessary for a long and expensive flight into Egypt, and to sustain Joseph, Mary and Jesus in a foreign land where they would stay for a considerable time.

For the performance of AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, the "Night Visitors" will be carrying real gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Rick Wilkinson as King Melchior

Rick has been involved in music since the age of five when he began studying voice and piano with his father.Shortly thereafter, he began to sing in church and school choruses and choirs and has continued to the present.At the age of twelve, he began serving as church organist. Rick sang with the Camerata Singers of Long Beach/Long Beach Bach Festival for twenty years, where he has served as musical assistant to Dr. David Wilson. He has performed throughout the western region of the United States and in Europe, the United Kingdom and Israel and has frequently appeared as conductor, organist, and bass-baritone soloist throughout Los Angeles. Aside from his musical endeavors, he served as Assistant Vice President of Bank of America, where he worked for 28 years in operations and risk management, corporate audit and investigations, and training development and delivery. Rick lives in Burbank, CA, and enjoys spending time with friends, family, and music ministry members.His hobbies include gourmet cooking, travel and photography, and cycling.

Our Dancers

Lulu Clink (left) is an 8th grader at St. Mel and has been dancing for 10 years. She currently dances with the Los Angeles Ballet Academy and plans to attend Louisville High School next year.

Gigi Grombacher (right) is also an 8th grader at St. Mel. with 8 years of dancing experience, most recently in a Calabasas HS production of The Nutcracker and at a special production for the Cedar Sinai cancer patients. She dances at the Ciara Dance Studio and plans to attend Notre Dame High School.

Francesco's Notes - Last in the Amahl Series

This concludes our interviews with Francesco regarding AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. He has been the driving force behind this production.

Q: When we started this series of interviews, you mentioned that you've always wanted to bring Amahl and the Night Visitors to St. Mel. Are you pleased with your decision to finally bring this opera to the parish on Dec. 20 and 21, 2008?

Francesco: As we begin the technical and dress rehearsal process, and I see what it's going to look like, I keep thinking what a treat people are in for. I don't think there's ever been a production of this magnitude in the church at St. Mel.
I have to say a final word of thanks to all those who have stepped up to help us and have stayed joyful through it all. After all of the tumult of this past year I decided that we needed to do something really joyful. Something that would create a sense of pride in the parish and build community, and remind us of what's really important!
And remember not to miss the truly miraculous things in our lives, while we keep our eye on the "Star".

Our Choreographer

Melissa Pollard was born and raised in Toronto, Canada where she studied dance at a very young age. Her passion and skill as a dancer (tap, jazz and ballet) continued to grow as she won many awards and scholarships and danced aboard Norweigan Cruise Lines. She is well-known in Canada for appearing for 10yrs on The Shopping Channel as a full-time on-air personality.
Melissa is an accredited award-winning dance instructor in many disciplines.

Bringing their Gifts

Bringing their gifts to the Three Kings are our young shepherds Amara, Ivieosa & Lelosa Aimufua and Kelsey & Jenna Venuti.
Morgan Montalvo is an 8th grader at Chaminade and joins the cast.

Production Coordinator, Costume Designer, et. al.

When Vida set out to paint and bejewel the King's box, she did not stop until it glittered. Bling! When she designed and sewed Amahl's costume, it had to be the right color and the right fit for the part of the crippled shepherd boy (with a pocket for his flute). No task is half done. Why she'll even be the second hump on the camel's back. Vida is really thrilled to be working on St. Mel's very first operatic production. She believes that AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS showcases not only the new multimedia system, but more importantly the many talents of our parish members that have collectively created this wondrous production. She thanks everyone for all their hard work and her husband, Joseph, for agreeing to put on the camel's costume.

Francesco's Notes - Part 5

A continuing series. View previous notes in the Blog Archives.
Q: Noreen Green will conduct Amahl and the Night Visitors. Tell us about your previous collaborative work with Noreen and the LA Jewish Symphony.
Francesco: Noreen and I attended USC School of Music together and have been friends ever since. I was there at the beginning of the LAJS and played with the orchestra, acted as orchestra manager and librarian, or anything else that was needed! Noreen and I have collaborated on many concerts throughout the years. Each year I play for the Valley Beth Shalom choirs in Encino for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur where she is also the Director of Music. Noreen has graciously volunteered to be our conductor for these performances.
Q: The opera will be staged on the altar of St. Mel Church. What were the technical challenges that you had to overcome?
Francesco: Working in a liturgical space is always a challenge with an altar that doesn't move and steps and such. However I am a firm believer that sacred music should be performed in sacred spaces and not simply relegated to the concert hall or theater. AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS is certainly a sacred and inspiring piece in my mind.

Bob McCullough as King Balthazar

Bob McCulloch plays the Nubian King, Balthazar, who brings his gift of precious Frankincense to the Christ child. Bob McCulloch is a personal injury trial attorney who specializes in medical and dental malpractice. He is a big USC Trojan fan and has been a parishioner of St. Mel since 1979. He founded the St. Mel Teen Choir for the Sunday evening liturgy in 1992 and the annual Teen Stations of the Cross in 1993. He has been singing in church choirs since grade school, but this is his first appearance as a principal in any production.

Chris Venuti as King Kaspar

It's been a while since Chris has been seen on stage in LA, but he is no stranger. Chris was a theater and music major in college and was used to performing on a regular basis. He appeared in productions of "As You Like It", "Brigadoon", "The Good Doctor", "A Christmas Carol" and many others. His first paid production was "Amahl". He played Amahl in the 6th and 7th grades with the Long Island Opera Company in New York. He is a member of SAG but nowadays is happy to cantor the 7:15am mass each Sunday at St. Mel and consults to corporations on their 401(k) and pension plans at UBS. Chris has Chaired the Finance Council at St. Mel for 5 years and will be finally relieved of that duty at the end of 2008. His wife Cindy encourages his creative side and all 3 of his children appear as shepherds in this production. (They're the really blonde ones!)

Paul Piazza as The Page

This is Paul’s first opera, first musical, first “anything to do with singing on a stage”. His sense of humor and youthful energy make him the perfect choice for the role of the spirited Page. Although he has played the trumpet with the St. Mel Choir for more than 2 years, this is a golden opportunity for him to work with Francesco to improve his voice. Paul is a Senior at El Camino Real HS, playing in the ECR Jazz Band, the Pierce College Concert Band, and at gigs around the San Fernando Valley.

Lisa Waggner as Amahl

When she was 7 yrs old, Lisa broke her leg in a skiing accident and had to live in crutches for weeks. She brings this “crippling experience” to her role as Amahl together with her passion for music and acting. Her past musical theater performances include the lead in Peter Pan and Liesl in The Sound of Music. She also appeared as the bad mannered Leroy Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Knightsbridge Theatre and performed in various scene studies in her acting classes as a Sophomore at Notre Dame High School. Lisa is concurrently playing the role of Gladys Herdman in another Knightsbridge Theatre production.This is her first opera and is grateful for the opportunity to use her "high voice". Lisa also sings with the St. Mel Lifeteen Band.

A Boy and His Mother

At the age of 7, under the guidance of his mother, Menotti began to compose songs. Four years later, he wrote the words and music of his first opera, The Death of Pierrot. In 1923 he began his formal musical training at the Verdi Conservatory in Milan. Following the death of his father, his mother took him to the United States, where he was enrolled at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music. Menotti’s mother chose the Curtis Institute on the advice of the famed conductor Arturo Toscanini. Menotti said that leaving his mother for Curtis was similar to Amahl leaving his mother to travel with the Three Kings.

Marijo de Mattos as Mother

Marijo had never done any real theater before AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS...unless you count high school musicals at Louisville. She loves to cantor at St. Mel because of the communal singing and praise that we do. She loves to sing in the choir, especially the challenging pieces that bring out the best in her. But the role of Mother in Amahl? It's up there with the majors. She had to memorize so much music and learn how to act the role. Even with five children of her own, she can't say that she is more prepared for the role. "My own children are so beautifully behaved, quiet and shy - nothing like Amahl!" She thanks Francesco and Linda Badran for all of the help and prep work they have done and are still doing with her.

Francesco's Notes - Part 4

A continuing series. View previous notes in the Blog Archives.
Q: Although it's an opera in one act, does AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS have all the elements of a full length opera?
Francesco: Although it's a one act opera, it does have all the same elements of an opera in 2 or 3 acts (i.e., scenery, costumes, orchestra, singers, dancers, chorus, etc.) We are using a full orchestra for this opera. Flute/Piccolo, 2 Oboes, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Timpani, Percussion, Piano, Harp, Violins, Viola, Cello, Bass, and of course a conductor.
Q: It is thought that Amahl has been seen by more people than any opera ever written. Do you think that's an exaggeration?
Francesco: Each year NBC used to broadcast Part One (aka "the Christmas Portion") of Handel's oratorio THE MESSIAH. They asked Gian Carlo Menotti to write a one-hour opera specifically for television that would alternate each year with THE MESSIAH. It was shown throughout the 50's and into the 60's. Television reaches a wider audience. So, many of our parents and relatives remember AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS.

Shepherds, Shepherds

Our young shepherds (from left): Kelsey Venuti, Anna Mia Bresin, Heather Hardenberg, Jenna Venuti, Dylan Venuti and Hunter Hardenberg

Shepherds were farming folk, growing whatever they needed for food. They kept sheep, goats and cattle, and grew crops of olives, figs, grapes, barley, wheat and flax. The life of a shepherd changed little between the days of Ezekiel and that of Jesus. The shepherd led his sheep, knew each one of them and watched over them by day and night.

Another Menotti Quote

"Any subject is good for opera if the composer feels it so intently he must sing it out."

Read more about Gian Carlo Menotti
Renaissance Man of the Theater

Francesco's Notes - Part 3

Part of a series. View the Blog Archive for more interviews with Franceso alleRuzzo
Q: For this opera, Menotti wrote the music and libretto. Is it unusual for a composer to write both?
Francesco: First off we should explain that a libretto is basically a script for an opera. Many times they are adapted from novels or stories. Usually an author writes the book, a librettist adapts it (i.e., makes a screenplay), and then the composer sets it to music. AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS is unusual in that Gian Carlo Menotti wrote both the libretto and the music. He got the idea for the story as he was wandering through the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. He saw Hieronymus Bosch's VISITATION OF THE MAGI and remembered his childhood in Italy. They did not have the tradition of Santa Claus but received gifts at Epiphany that were "brought" by the Three Wise Men. He was also crippled as a child and experienced a miracle after a visit to a holy shrine in Italy. All of these inspired him to write this opera.

Olives and Quinces, Apples and Raisins

In the opera, the shepherds bring many gifts for the Night Visitors. Let's look at a few of the gifts (with a little help from internet research).

Olives are grown on small trees and shrubs in the Mediterranean region. The olive fruit is processed to become black or green olives.
Quinces are the yellow, apple-like fruit from a tree grown in the Mediterranean region. Sometimes called “golden apples.” A bowl of quince fruit will freshen an entire room.
Raisins - dried grapes. Not much is known of the origins of dried fruits, but some assume that it originated in Armenia and Persia where dried fruits (notably apricots) are a big part of the culture.
Mint – The mint plant comes originally from the Mediterranean, where it was highly esteemed in ancient times as a symbol of hospitality.
Nutmeg - the kernel of a fruit similar to the apricot. It is ground, and has a strong, warm taste.
Cinnamon - a tree that grows 20-30 feet high. The spice we know as cinnamon comes from the bark of this tree.
Myrtle - a low growing plant whose leaves are used, either fresh or dried, for their aroma.
Laurel leaves - also known as bay leaves, whose bitter, spicy taste is used in cooking. The Greeks and Romans used laurel leaves to make crowns.
Medlars - the fruit of small trees. They resemble small apples, and are relatives of the pear. The fruit have an applesauce-cinnamon flavor.
Mignonette - a small plant now considered a weed in some areas. It is grown for its fragrant flowers.
Citrons come from trees that are pruned to grow only about 20 feet tall. The fruit is yellow-green when ripe, and has a perfumed aroma. It is used to make candied fruit, sometimes in fruitcakes.
Musk- a substance produced by deer, often used as a base for perfume.
Pomegranate- the fruit of a pomegranate tree contains many small pink-red sections with a small seed inside. These sections, sometimes called the “seeds” have a fresh sweet-salty taste.
Goat cheese - cheese made from goat’s milk.
Hazelnut trees bloom in the winter! They produce small nuts that look like acorns. Also called filberts.
Camomile – a low growing plant often used to make tea. Some say it gives strength to plants growing next to it.

Susie Penney as Mother

Susie Penney is no stranger to the theater. When she was just 4 years old, she played the role of the youngest child in The King and I. On a more informal setting, she remembers being asked by her parents to sing for friends and family during their get-togethers (she was happy to oblige.) She had her first paid gig in the NBC Christmas Special while she was in the 8th grade. Although she has been in a number of performances in both opera and musical theatre, her most memorable role was as Adina in the Elixir of Love, where she was challenged to expand her vocal and acting range. Throughout her career, she never ventured far from music, serving as a Marketing Manager for a musical publishing co. for 10 years and now as the Choir Director of the St. Mel Children’s Choirs.

Francesco's Notes - Part 2

This continues our interviews with Francesco alleRuzzo, Music Ministry Director at St. Mel.

Q: Why would this opera appeal to children as well as adults?
Francesco: Well the story centers around a young boy of 12 years old. It sees the world through his eyes. The characters (mother, Kings, page, etc.) are exactly how he imagines them! Children never fail to teach us lessons. This story teaches us all to believe in miracles and that anyone can have a change of heart. It seems to me that while we are all looking to find renewed meaning in the Christmas season, one thing is for sure - our world could use a change of heart! This beautiful story also teaches us not to miss the miracles in our lives as we journey toward the Messiah.

Video Premiere

By clicking on the link below, you will be one of the first to preview the promo video on youtube. Share this with your family and friends.

Amahl Promo Video

Thank you, thank you, thank you kindly

Many thanks to Ken Fancher and his crew: Frank Hules, Bob Oedy and Justin Viceral for the Amahl promo video. Ken founded the St. Mel Multimedia Ministry and will post the video online - follow this blog for the link.

Thanks to Al Rossi for the narration and Leslie King for her guidance. Can't wait to see the video! In the meantime, here are a few stills just to pique your curiosity.

Guadalupe Center

All net proceeds from the Amahl performances will go to the Guadalupe Center in Canoga Park. This center serves low-income individuals and families in the San Fernando Valley by providing food and clothing, educational programs (e.g., after school tutoring and English as a Second Language classes) and a free Preschool Program for children between ages 3 and 5 to prepare them for school. During the holidays, the Center plays Santa to more than 300 families.

Cayman Coughlin as Amahl

Cayman Coughlin plays Amahl with Susie Penney as Mother in the Saturday cast. Cayman is a 5th Grader at St. Mel and enjoys pizza, math and P.E., not necessarily in that order. She sings and hops around in a crutch with nary a stumble. And no wonder. Her experience spans eight musical theater productions directed by Gloria Watts, among which were Cinderella, Oliver Twist, Seussical, The Sound of Music and Annie, where she played the lead. She has mastered the score for this opera and can even sing the shepherd's chorus!

Francesco's Notes - Part 1

We will be interviewing the St. Mel Music Ministry Director over the next few weeks. Visit this blog often for the continuing series we'll call "Francesco's Notes".

Q: Why did you decide to bring Amahl and the Night Visitors to St. Mel?
Francesco: The music started going through my head while I was sitting on a beach in Maui! It was about 2 years ago. About a month after I returned home, I heard on the radio that the composer, Gian Carlo Menotti, had died. Somehow I felt really compelled to do this opera. I mentioned it to several people and they told me that AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS had never been done here at St. Mel.
Q: What were your previous experiences with this opera?
Francesco: My first performance of AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS was while I was in school at Mount St. Mary’s College. I was a dancer and shepherd! Since then I have conducted, choreographed, and staged several productions of it, including one for an Opera Co. in Portland, OR.

Menotti Quote

“A man only becomes wise when he begins to calculate the approximate depth of his ignorance.”