“Amahl and the Night Visitors”

Dec. 7-16

Basile Opera Center

As it continues to expand its range of operatic offerings, Indianapolis Opera stages this made-for-prime-time-TV opera that was originally commissioned by NBC in 1951. At the time, 5 million people saw it. Far fewer will fit in the Basile Opera Center, which is closer in size to a TV studio than it is to a full-scale opera house. That intimacy should benefit the kid-friendly piece, which tells the story of a young boy who encounters the three kings on their way to the manger. Details here.