Student actors and actresses often showcase their talent and entertain audiences on the University of Dayton's Boll Theatre stage.

Starting today, however, a new cast will be in the spotlight.

Boll Theatre will host three performances of the faculty production "Amahl and the Night Visitors," a one-act Christmas opera about a disabled boy who encounters the Magi.

Gian Carlo Menotti wrote the opera, which was first created for American television. For many years after its 1951 debut, live productions of "Amahl" aired on NBC.

UD's faculty production of "Amahl" has gained local attention. In fact, it was the focus of last Tuesday's installment of "Art Focus," which aired on WDPR, 88.1 FM.

"The production is special for us because it is our first faculty opera and the first performance of this wonderful opera at the University of Dayton," said Dr. Linda Snyder, coordinator of voice performance studies for the music department.

Snyder will play the part of Amahl's mother. She is joined by ten-year-old Sam Burt of Kettering as Amahl. The three kings are Kaspar, played by professor David Sievers, Melchior, played by Dr. Robert Jones, and Balthazar, played by guest William Henry Caldwell from Central State University.

Directing the production is Nelson Sheeley from New York's Lake George Opera. He is joined by UD artist-in-residence John Benjamin, the production's musical director. Members of UD's Opera Workshop will appear in the production as well.

Sam Kreidenweis, a senior music performance major, has only about 10 measures to sing, but he's on stage for most of "Amahl." He will play the three kings' page.

Kreidenweis said he is impressed by the stature of the production.

"Obviously, a lot of work has gone into it," he said.

Sophomore Tyler Sarkis, a member of Opera Workshop, also put his skills to work for "Amahl."

Sarkis choreographed a short ballet piece for the production; that is, when he and the other workshop members weren't in rehearsal for their recent performance of "Die Fledermaus." At least weekly, the "Fledermaus" cast met to rehearse "Amahl."

Performances for this weekend's opera will be at 1 p.m. today and Tuesday and 2 p.m. on Saturday. After each performance, the cast and directors will answer questions.

Because three elementary schools are bringing students to the Friday and Tuesday performances, both are sold out. However, tickets may be available at the door.

Seats are still available for Saturday's performance.

Admission is free for UD staff, faculty and students with their university ID. For non-students, tickets cost $3 for children and $5 for adults.

"Although 'Amahl' is fairly often performed ... when an arts community like UD gets to put it on, I think the whole community should see it," Kreidenweis said.

For further information on "Amahl and the Night Visitors," call the Kennedy Union Box Office at (937) 229-2545 or the department of music at (937) 229-3936.