The Monroe Area Opera will be performing Gian Carlo Menotti's Christmas classic, "Amahl and the Night Visitors" at 3 p.m., Sunday Nov. 29, at the Athens Arts Center.  Additional performances will take place at the White Lion Theater (part of the Monroe Area School for the Performing Arts located on the second floor of the Norman Lee Real Estate Building, 810 New Hwy. 68) at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, at and 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6.

"Amahl and The Night Visitors" is the story of the miracle that happens when the Magi stop at a poor cottage on their way to Bethlehem.  It was written in 1951 for broadcast on NBC as a holiday special, and became an annual broadcast staple for more than a decade.  Principal performers include Savannah Roberts and Rosella Ewing as Amahl and his mother; Dan Taylor, David Siklosi and Larry Stein as the Magi and Kyle Renfro as the Page. The Monroe Consort does the honors as the chorus of shepherds.

Tickets can be purchased at the door at all performances and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $10 for adults; and $5 for students, under 18.  For information call the Monroe Area School for the Performing Arts at (423) 351-9013 or check the School's Web site at www.masparts.org.