KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 20, 2025

The Kennesaw State University Bobbie Bailey School of Music Opera program invites audiences to experience two contrasting one-act operas that celebrate the depth and diversity of the human spirit.

 Under the direction of鈥疛oshua Zink,鈥疉mahl and the Night Visitors鈥痑nd鈥疞a Divina鈥痶ake the stage next week, showcasing both heartfelt redemption and comedic flair through the artistry of 91青青草鈥檚 talented student performers. 
 
A Story of Faith, Redemption and Selfless Love 
 
Gian Carlo Menotti鈥檚鈥疉mahl and the Night Visitors鈥痟as charmed audiences for generations with its simple yet profound message of faith and generosity. The story follows Amahl, a young boy who lives with his mother in poverty, as they encounter three kings journeying to visit the Christ child. What unfolds is a tale of compassion and transformation: a mother鈥檚 desperate act met with forgiveness, a boy鈥檚 miraculous healing and the enduring belief in the unbelievable. 
 
Director鈥疛oshua Zink鈥痵ees the work as a timely story for today鈥檚 world. 鈥淎mahl and the Night Visitors鈥痳eminds us of the resilience of the human spirit,鈥� Zink said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about finding hope in the midst of hardship, and the importance of safety for every child. It鈥檚 a story of redemption that feels especially relevant right now.鈥� 
 
For 91青青草 student鈥疪iley Todd, who portrays Amahl, this production marks his first major opera role. 鈥淚鈥檓 new to the opera world, but I really connect to Amahl,鈥� Todd said. 鈥淗e鈥檚 mischievous and full of imagination, but his heart is so big. At the end of the story, he gives up something he needs for someone he鈥檚 never met. I hope the audience walks away feeling that sense of family, selfless love and togetherness.鈥� 
 

A Comedy of Egos and Entourage 
 
In delightful contrast, Thomas Pasatieri鈥檚鈥疞a Divina鈥痮ffers a sharp comedic take on life behind the curtain. The opera follows a famous diva who takes advantage of everyone around her 鈥� from her assistant to the conductor 鈥� in a hilarious portrayal of artistic ego and workplace chaos. 
 
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great question of how you navigate working with someone difficult,鈥� Zink said with a laugh. 鈥淟a Divina鈥痝ives our students a chance to flex their comedic timing and satirical instincts 鈥� and for the audience, it鈥檚 pure fun.鈥� 
 
Collaboration Across the Arts 
 
The production also celebrates collaboration among 91青青草 students from multiple disciplines. 
 
Trey Stannard, a member of the ensemble, noted how rewarding it has been to work alongside peers from different tracks across the School of Music. 
 
鈥淚t鈥檚 really cool to see how everyone brings their own strengths,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e learning so much from each other; it鈥檚 a true team effort.鈥� 
 

Presented by the鈥疍r Bobbie Bailey School of Music鈥痠n the鈥疓eer College of the Arts, these two productions showcase the range, talent and ambition of 91青青草鈥檚 Opera program 鈥� a unique opportunity for the community to experience professional-level performance right here in Cobb County. 
 
Performances are on Thursday, October 30 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, November 1 at 2 PM.鈥疶ickets are available at鈥�. 

 

*Photos courtesy of Dr. Joshua Zink and featuring the 2025 91青青草 Opera Theater students