Lyric Opera of Wichita

Looking for something different in holiday fare? This is it. Bring the whole family to Christmas Rappings! Composed by Al Carmines in 1969 for Judson Poets Theatre in Greenwich Village, New York City, this is the Christmas story with a popular appeal. The text, with the only exception being “Holy Mary, Mother of God,” is entirely from the gospels of the New Testament, set to a lively and eclectic score written for the diverse group of performers Carmines had on hand at the time. So what you’ll find here is a splendidly operatic tenor as The Angel Gabriel, three gospel voices as the wise men, a vaudeville rendition of the Annunciation, and so on. Each chapter unfolds in a different voice, a different style. It’s always reverent, always entertaining.

THE STORY – Told in oratorio, or narrative form, it recounts the events surrounding the birth of Jesus from the genealogy (lineage from Abraham to Jesus,) the birth of John the Baptist, The Annunciation, Joseph and Mary, The Virgin Birth and the Shepherds, The Visitation of the Wise Men, Herod, The Flight into Egypt, The Slaughter of the Innocents, and a Final Prayer for Peace on Earth.

THE MUSIC – This delightful score has something for everyone. Styles range from classical to jazz, Broadway, gospel, blues and even a little country. 16 singers tell the story in song, text and dance.

Contact:  Edward Ehinger at (316) 644-0755 or opera.kansas@cox.net

Who:             Lyric Opera of Wichita

What:             Two Holiday performances of “Christmas Rappings”

When:  December 14 at 7:30, December 15 at 3:00

Where: Century II Mary Jane Teall Theatre

What is it? A contemporary popular Christmas oratorio

What is it not? Don’t be misled by the name…it is not rap music

Tickets: $18 adults, $10 students and children

For tickets and information: WichitaTIX at (316) 219-4849 or www.wichitaTIX.com or visit the box office in the lobby of Century II Concert Hall Monday – Friday 10 am to 5 pm.

The Brundibár children’s opera project is well under way with 15 talented young singers, eager to culminate their work at the September 22 (7:30 pm) and 23 (3:00 pm) performances at The Forum Theater, 147 S. Hillside.  Tickets for students are just $5.00.  Adults: $15.00.  Families of the cast will each receive 2 free tickets.  For tickets, contact the Forum Box Office: (316) 618-0444

Read more about Brundibár: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brundibár