Amahl and the Night Visitors

Music by Gian Carlo Menotti
Libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti Menotti
Presented under license from G. SCHIRMER, INC., copyright owners

LOON’s family-friendly favorite returns by popular demand! A vivid and accessible story originally created for television, Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors features beautiful melodies, engaging characters, and a message that resonates with the themes of generosity and hope.

Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the heartwarming story of Amahl and his mother. When three magnificent and weary Kings following a wondrous star knock on their door and request a night’s lodging, the impoverished mother and son welcome them in. Through their interactions with the Kings, Amahl and his Mother confront themes of poverty and sacrifice. 

With beautiful melodies and a poignant story sung entirely in English, Amahl and the Night Visitors is a moving reminder that kindness and generosity are the greatest gifts of all. Ideal for all ages, including children.

55 minutes long, no intermission, Sung in English with English supertitles.

Location: The Depot Theatre in Downtown Duluth.

Performance Dates and Times:

• Friday, January 23 at 7:00 PM 
• Saturday, January 24 at 7:00 PM 
• Sunday, January 25 at 3:00 PM

Reserved Seating $39, $49
Children and Students with valid Student ID $12

Cast

Creative Team

Venue

The Depot Theatre, 506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802

Parking

The parking lot closest to the Theatre is located off Michigan Street, between N 6th Ave W and Mesaba Ave. The next closest parking lot is located off Michigan St between 4th and 5th Ave. Metered street parking is also available.

Payment for parking can be made using the Park Duluth Mobile App on any smartphone, or in person at the automated payment station. For fastest and easiest parking payment, we recommend downloading the app in advance and creating an account that includes your payment information and license plate. Details about how to download and use the app and/or the automated station can be found here.

Accessibility Information

Orchestra Bios

Multi-genre violinist Erin Aldridge is a highly sought-after performer and teacher who has won numerous awards as both soloist and chamber musician, and has been featured throughout Europe, South America, China, Ghana, and the United States. Aldridge maintains an active performance schedule as a soloist and chamber musician, as well as non-classical genres with her bands Danny Frank & the Smoky Gold and Superior Siren. She is currently the Professor of Violin and Viola at the University of Wisconsin-Superior where she also serves as Director of Orchestra. She is also the Concertmaster of both the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of the North Opera Orchestra. 

Laurie Bastian is a Duluth native who had her first violin lesson on her seventh birthday.  She has played in the DSSO since 1979 and has been principal second violin since 1987. Laurie is a founding member of the LSCO and the Highland String Quartet. She has been teaching violin/viola for 40 years. 

Dr. Jeremy Craycraft, Associate Professor of Music at the College of St. Scholastica, directs the College’s percussion program, teaches music history, theory, and the first-year student experience course, Dignitas. He performs regularly with various regional professional ensembles such as the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of the North, Borealis Chamber Artists, and Lake Superior Youth Choir. He is the percussion director for the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestra/Percussion Ensemble, and. Prior to CSS, he taught music at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Dr. Craycraft studied with and performed alongside members of the internationally acclaimed percussion trio Percussion Group Cincinnati at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati where he received his Master’s and Doctoral degrees. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the Baldwin-Wallace University and Conservatory.

Kevin Hoeschen has enjoyed playing the viola since he opened his first viola case the summer before seventh grade.  Over the years, the instrument has opened many doors for him, including playing in the Ghana National Symphony and the Trondheim, Norway Chamber Orchestra.  More recently he has played in the Duluth Superior Symphony and the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, where he has served as Principal Viola. Kevin has also had the privilege of sharing his love of music as an orchestra director in the Ashland, Superior, and Duluth public schools and teaching viola lessons and world music at the University of Wisconsin, Superior.  Since retiring from public school teaching, Kevin continues to play in the DSSO, co-conducts the DSSO’s Sinfonia, and teaches violin and viola lessons privately and at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  Kevin is delighted to play Amahl and the Night Visitors with LOON again. He has been entranced by the beautiful music since first seeing the opera as a young boy sitting on the living room floor staring at the black and white television screen with his brother and sister.

Janell Kokkonen Lemire, harpist. Principal harpist w/DSSO. Frequently plays with BSO, BMSO, TPWE, MSO, GRSO, FMSO, LOON. Teaching- Adjunct harp specialist at UMD & a home studio.  Offering traditional or Suzuki lessons. Guest Clinician in  New Orleans, Steven’s Point, WI, and Salt Lake City & Logan, Utah.

Vincent Osborn received an M.M. in Double Bass Performance from the University of Minnesota (2010), with studies from Christopher Brown of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and a BA in Behavioral Arts and Sciences and a BA in Music with concentrations in Literature and Performance (2003) from The College of St Scholastica. Over the years, he has also studied with James Orleans (Boston Symphony Orchestra) and Klaus Trumpf (international solo bassist & pedagogue). Vincent joined the U.S. Air Force Band at Offutt AFB, NE in 1978. For the next 20 years, until his retirement in 1998, he was stationed in Nebraska, Germany, New Hampshire, Virginia and Japan. During his time in the Air Force, he has played concerts throughout the eastern and upper mid-western United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and South Korea.  Vincent was a regular substitute bassist with the Richmond Symphony, the Williamsburg Symphonia and was featured soloist on his wind band arrangement of Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei with the USAF Heritage of America Band and the Vanhal Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra with the Kunitachi City Orchestra (Japan) and the Itasca Symphony Orchestra (Grand Rapids, MN). Vincent joined the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra in 1998 and was appointed to assistant principal in 2003. He has also been the program annotator for the DSSO since the 2013-14 season. Because he is experienced and proficient in many styles, Vincent is in high demand throughout the area as a bassist and teacher; playing operas for the Northern Lights Music Festival and LOON, as a guest artist at the Bemidji State Jazz Festival and performing with the Big Time Jazz Orchestra and the Blue Canvas Orchestra at Big Top Chautauqua. He currently teaches privately and at UW-Superior. In 2015, Vincent was elected as president of AFM Local 18. 

Earl Salemink has held the Principal Trumpet position in the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra since 1989 and has performed with Minnesota Ballet, Lyric Opera of the North, Arrowhead Chorale, Ray Bergin Big Band, Itasca Symphony and has freelanced with other local groups and organizations in the area.

Originally from Philadelphia, clarinetist Theodore Schoen moved to Duluth from Florida where he was the principal clarinet of the Atlanta Opera and Orlando Philharmonic. He is a professor emeritus of clarinet and saxophone at UMD and is currently a member of the DSSO and has performed extensively with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. When not teaching or performing, Ted enjoys baking bread and working with his golden retriever and 9 month old corgi puppy.

Melanie M. Sever is an active freelance musician, recitalist, lecturer, conductor, and teaches flute and music courses at The College of St. Scholastica and the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She serves as the Administrative Director of the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestras program and conducts the DSSYO Concert Orchestra. Melanie performs as a regular member of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, MN Ballet Orchestra and Lyric Opera of the North. Projects have included community outreach with onsite master classes to public schools, school and community performances with The Possibilities Quartet, Latin American Music and Culture performance/presentations with Columbian bassist Nixon Bustos, and regional performances with the DSSO Woodwind Quintet and other chamber ensembles. An advocate of performance health for musicians, Melanie teaches Body Mapping (see bodymap.org). She has over 35 years of private teaching experience as well as being on staff for flute clinics, public school programs, summer camps and as a panel judge for competitions. BA, St. Olaf College; MM, University of MN-Duluth; K-12 Music Educator; AMBE Licensed Body Mapping Educator. Published in Fluit (Netherlands) and Flöte Aktuel (Germany).

Chorus Bios

Josephine Barstad (she/her), chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus (Sally), Rusalka: A Mermaid’s Tale (Rusalka), La bohème. Josephine is a voice teacher and performer in the Twin Cities. She got her bachelor’s degree in Duluth at UMD and returned after receiving her Master’s in Opera Performance at Wichita State University. When not teaching or performing, she can be found listening to audiobooks and knitting or curled up watching a show with her partner Andy and their four cats.

Emilie Bowman (she/her), chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus, Radio Hour. An avid musician, Emilie sings with numerous choirs in the Twin Ports. In addition to music, she enjoys reading, knitting, painting, and is endeavoring to finish her very first quilt! 

Gigi Calland, chorus. Previously with LOON: Circe on Superior, La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, Hansel and Gretel, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Les Uncomfortables. Favorite roles include: Fritz in The Nutcracker with Minnesota Ballet, Brigitta in The Sound of Music with the Duluth Playhouse, Molly in their Annie, and Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors with LOON (2020) and BSU (2022). She loves ballet, learning languages, piano/violin, and writing. 

Tiffany Darling, chorus. LOON Debut. Tiffany is thrilled to join the Lyric Opera of the North for her first role as a Shepherdess in the Chorus! She has previously performed in operas in Berlin, Germany, such as Ariadne auf Naxos, The Magic Flute, and Hansel and Gretel. She owns her own independent pediatric clinic in Washburn, Wisconsin. She also frequently performs in the Chequamegon Bay area with voice, piano, organ and violin.

Rebecca Farmer (she/her), chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus, Radio Hour, Speed Dating Tonight (Waitress), La bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana,Don Giovanni, Amahl and the Night Visitors (2020), Rigoletto, Carmen (Mercedes), and The Mikado (Pitti-Sing). Rebecca is a Native to Duluth and earned her BM in Voice Performance at UW-Superior and MM in Voice Performance at UM-Duluth. Outside of performing, she works as the Growth Marketing Manager for the non-profit communication platform CaringBridge, and enjoys crafting, gallivanting through the natural splendor of the area, and spending time with her kiddos.

David Greenberg, chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus, Speed Dating Tonight!, Cavalleria Rusticana, Trouble in Tahiti and The Filthy Habit, Blue Viola, and more. David is a long-time resident of the Twin Ports and an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, Superior Music Department. An active member of Northland choral groups Arrowhead Chorale and Twin Ports Choral Project, he helps organize Excalibur Con: the Northland’s Premier Pop Culture and Tabletop Gaming Convention while working as your local Consumer Cellular connection till his audiobook narrator and voice-over performance portfolio comes together.

Katheryn Hamm, chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus, Radio Hour, La bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, Don Giovanni. Katheryn came to Duluth from Colorado Springs in 2014 to attend grad school at UMD. She works for Memorial Blood Centers, and on evenings and weekends you can find her taking long walks on one of the many trails in Duluth, or cuddled up with a good book and her cats, Paddiwak and Posy.

Brittney Harrison (she/her), chorus. LOON Debut. For over 14 years, Brittney has shared her love of music through active involvement in vocal and instrumental ensembles across the country. In addition to performing with LOON, she currently sings with the Twin Ports Choral Project and plays trumpet with the Duluth Symphonic Winds. By day, she teaches choir to students in grades 6 through 8 and offers private voice lessons. Outside of music, she enjoys paddleboarding, hiking, and playing tennis or pickleball.

Riley Hinnenkamp (he/him), chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus, Radio Hour, La Bohème. Earning a degree in Vocal Performance from UW-Superior, Riley can be found regularly performing in the Twin Ports. You can also find Riley out on the water as a professional Captain, holding a 100ton MMC!

Ezra Johnson, chorus. Previously with LOON: a Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana (2023), Amahl and the Night Visitors (2020). Recognized as “the littlest shepherd” from his debut appearance in the 2020 production of Amahl and the Night Visitors, Ezra is excited to be singing in this production. Outside of performing, Ezra enjoys playing video games with his dad, musicking, gymnastics, karate, soccer, and golf.  

Kaiya Johnson, chorus. Previously with LOON: La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana (2011, 2023), Amahl and the Night Visitors (2012, 2020). Outside of performing, Kaiya enjoys ballet, reading, adventuring, musicking, and spending time with family. Kaiya is excited to be graduating with honors from East High School in the spring and starting college at UMD as a Biochemistry major with a history minor. 

Steve Johnson (he/him), chorus. Previously with LOON: La bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, Amahl and the Night Visitors (2020). Outside of performing, Steve works as a counselor at Northwoods Children Services. He enjoys writing and recording music, playing guitar, and hanging out with his kids.

Aine Miller (she/her), chorus. Previously with LOON: La Bohème (2024), Cavalleria Rusticana (2023), and Bach’s St. John Passion (2016). Aine has been fortunate to perform with many musical organizations in the Twin Ports, including the Twin Ports Choral Project, the DSSO Chorus, the UW-Superior Percussion Ensemble, and the music ministry at First Lutheran Church. When she isn’t performing, Aine works for Vikre Distillery and as the Administrator for the DSSO Chorus.

James Olson (he/him), Chorus.  Previously with LOON: Alcincoro in La Boheme, Count Ceprano in Rigoletto, Die Fledermaus, Cavalleria Rusticana (2), Les Uncomfortables, Barber of Seville, Carmen. He retired from the military and enjoys performing in the Twin Ports.

Paul Piszczek (he/him), Chorus/Shepherd. Paul has sung in LOON choruses since 2013, most recently in Die Fledermaus in 2025. He arrived in the Twin Ports in 2012 to work full-time as a fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in Superior. He is also a Registered Piano Technician and tunes, regulates, and repairs pianos. Paul and his wife, Esther, have resided in Duluth since 2012.

John Pierce, chorus. Previously with LOON, the title role in Rigoletto, Les Uncomfortable, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Cavalleria Rusticana, La Bohème, and La Traviata. John sang leading-tenor roles around the world for over 20 years, including the title roles in Tristan and Isolde, Tannhauser, Otello and Lohengrin. Currently celebrating 11 years as the owner of Duluth Fine Pianos.

Ben Pelerin (he/him), Chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus, La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, Amahl and the Night Visitors, L’elisir d’amore, Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, Barber of Seville, Les Uncomfortables, Carmen, Don Pasquale, La Traviata. Born and raised in Duluth, Ben is proud to share his love of vocal music in his hometown on stage and while teaching Choir at Lincoln Park Middle School. When not teaching or performing, Ben enjoys spending time with his lovely wife Kailyn and son Henry.

Charlotte Taylor (she/her), chorus. Previously with LOON: Die Fledermaus Gala Concert
(2004), Magic Flute, Semele, Amahl and the Night Visitors (2012 and 2020), Cavalleria
Rusticana, Les Uncomfortables, Radio Hour, and Die Fledermaus. She is retired from a
career as a trust officer with U.S. Bank. When not singing, Ms. Taylor enjoys beading
and quilting, and spending time with her cats, Felix and Oscar.

Keely Waechter, chorus. Previously with LOON: Radio Hour, La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, L’elisir d’amore. Keely was born in Duluth and returned after starting her family. She works at Denfeld High School as a Work Based Learning Coordinator.  She is also highly involved in student activities as a drama advisor, Key Club Advisor, and running a sewing club and improv group.