Overview
- Lincoln Center Theater, in association with the Metropolitan Opera, opened the 1951 Menotti opera on December 18 at the 299-seat Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater for a run through January 4, 2026.
- Kenny Leon directs with Joyce DiDonato as Amahl’s Mother and Albert Rhodes Jr. as Amahl, joined by Phillip Boykin, Todd Thomas, and Bernard Holcomb as the Magi.
- The music uses the authorized two‑piano‑plus‑oboe reduction under Steven Osgood, with pianists Nathaniel LaNasa and Riko Higuma and onstage oboist Jesse Barrett.
- Designs by Derek McLane, Emilio Sosa, and Adam Honoré emphasize immersion in the Newhouse, with choreography by Ioana Alfonso and entrances that draw action into the aisles.
- Reviews praise performances and design and note Leon’s contemporary touches—including casting choices and a reported libretto tweak—while some question how the piece will play for younger audiences.