REVIEWS: Following yonder star to Tri-State’s ‘Amahl’ By James F. Cotter, Staff reviewer Middletown Times Herald Record Thursday, Jan. 12, 1993     “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” Gian-CarloMenotti’s Christmas opera, came to Florida Sunday evening, complete with three kings and their glowing star. From the first “Good evening,” the kings proved to be charmers, lavishing thanks for the humble hospitality offered them by Amahl’s mother and the visiting Shepherds. The opera’s exuberant blend of humor and holiness makes it is seasonal winner.     It's a pleasure to welcome the Tri-State Regional Opera Company’s production. Directed by Ron De Fesi, the opera retains its charm and pageantry. The dialogue is clearly articulated in a modern recitative, and the score is marked by lyrical simplicity. "Have You Seen a Child," sung by the kings and mother, conveys a haunting beauty and pathos. The uninterrupted performance, which lasts less than an hour, is full of musical and emotional color.     Although much of the music is synthesized, De Fesi accompanies some of the numbers on piano. These are the most effective moments. Especially moving is the unaccompanied singing of the shepherds which fills the aisles on their arrival. They crowd is stage and watch a band of dancers perform a lovely folk ballet choreographed by Wendy Cutting.     In the title role, Robert Gellman is utterly convincing, a young boy hobbling on his crunch and clutching his dreams. He possesses an attractive soprano voice and natural manner that fits Amahl’s character perfectly. As his mother, Janean Sherwin sings with authority and emotion. She embodies in turn, disappointment, hope and joy as she nags, pities and praises her son before her guests.     Rudolf Kellmann, Nick Karnavezos, and Bill Brooks provide powerful portraits of the three kings, each distinct in character and voice. Kellmann is a tenor, a slightly deaf Caspar who carries a magic box that fascinates Amahl. Karnavezos makes Melchior a richi-voiced baritone with royal demeanor, while Brooks offers a resonant bass and majestic black presence as Balthazar. Walter Marvel plays their busy attendant.     The set designed by Renato Cesarino, the walled interior of Amahl’s hovel, nicely fits the classic lines of the historic Presbyterian church. Kay De Fesi’s costumes, which range from peasant rags to regal robes, look wonderful. The lighting designed by René Philippe puts a glowing star in the sky lights up to scene below. Charles “Duke” DeFesi provides technical direction.     Join the three kings this weekend and journey to North Main Street in Florida to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany with them.