By Mickie Jackson
Publisher 

  “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” an opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti, will be performed December 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. at Jodeco Road United Methodist Church.

Amy Chaffin, a retired music teacher, plays the part of Amahl’s mother and is pictured above looking at her crippled son’s crutch.                                                          Special photo

  This production is about the restorative power the birth of Christ ushered into our world, according to Sandy O’Connor, whose 8-year old grandson, Zachary Adams, plays the part of Amahl.  

  “Amahl is an humble crippled boy, but he is strong in many ways,” said O'Connor. “He lives with his widowed mother who, despite all her valiant efforts, seems to be without hope of a better life for her beloved son. They struggle with many of the same things we do, and they dream the same dreams, perhaps. A chance encounter with three strange visitors traveling to a far land changes all their futures. A miracle happens that is representative of far more to come.”

  The opera is directed by Gene Sheffield, pastor of Jodeco Road UMC. The musical director is Amy Chaffin who is a retired music teacher and Director of Music at Jodeco Road UMC. Both Sheffield and Chaffin are veteran Henry Players.

   The tickets are $5 for adults and children under 12 are $2. A nursery will be available. Jodeco Road UMC is located at 1500 Jodeco Road, Stock-bridge. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 770-957-8300.