Hesston College will present the Christmas-themed one-act opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” for two performances during the college’s Thanksgiving Weekend celebration. The opera will be in the Hesston Mennonite Church Sanctuary on the Hesston College campus at 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 28 and 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30.

Students from the college’s music and theatre programs will be the featured performers along with music faculty member Matthew Schloneger and artist in residence, social work instructor Tony Brown and voice instructor Holly Swartzendruber. Rachel Jantzi, a member of the communications faculty, will direct the opera with music faculty member Bradley Kauffman as conductor and Schloneger as music director.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors,” by Gian Carlo Menotti and written in English, tells the story of the night of Christ’s birth from the perspective of a crippled boy, Amahl, and his poor mother  when the three magi stop to rest at their home. Weary from their travels, the kings ask for hospitality and receive it, but are then tested by those in great need. Fortunately, the kings extend forgiveness as Christ, the one true King, would desire. Miracles occur as the kings, now joined by Amahl, continue on their journey to see the messiah.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased through the Hesston College Bookstore online at books.hesston.edu, by calling 620-327-8105 or at the door prior to performances.