Photo Credit: AT&T Performing Arts Center
There isn’t a shortage of things to do in Dallas during the upcoming holiday season. The problem is going to be choosing from the numerous events, productions and activities. If you’re looking for something family friendly then get your tickets and mark your calendars because the world premier of Becoming Santa Claus will be performed by the Dallas Opera in December. This unique production stars Jennifer Rivera, Juan José de León, and Matt Boehler. Emmanuel Villaume is the conductor and Paul Curran directs the opera.
This Christmas fantasy will sweep you away to an elven kingdom in the far, far north where Prince Claus is about to celebrate his 13th birthday with a huge party. He is looking forward to seeing his uncles, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, who have confirmed that they’ll be attending. When they fail to appear the boy is informed that they have seen a bright star in the west and it has summoned them to the momentous birth of a mysterious child. Determined to outdo his uncles’ gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh Prince Claus has the elves create a sleigh full of toys to delight the child. In the end he discovers that love is the best gift of all.
The work was underwritten by Holly and Tom Mayer and Maile Shea in memory of Chloe Shea, Maile’s daughter and Holly and Tom’s granddaughter. Chloe passed away from childhood cancer in December 2011. The 12 Months of Kindness project is raising awareness and support for Becoming Santa Claus. The project seeks to inspire individuals and families to commit to 12 months of giving back to others. A variety of events are planned, proceeds to benefit the The Dallas Opera’s Becoming Santa Claus project.
- Candy canes and photos with Santa. There are several dates and times.
- Family matinee lobby activities
- A reading of the story, Becoming Santa, at the Bookmarks branch of the Dallas Public Library at Northpark.
In the spirit of the season they will also be hosting a canned food drive for the North Texas Food Bank and encourage you to bring non-perishable food.
The coming-of-age story of Santa Claus and the importance of doing acts of kindness towards others is a heartwarming holiday treat as well as a great way to introduce your children to opera. Since it is sung in English with supertitles it is easy to follow along and understand.
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