Photo: Park City Opera

PARK CITY, Utah — After performing three sold-out performances of the Barber of Seville in Park City in August, Park City Opera decided to present a family-friendly holiday opera, ‘The Gift of the Magi’. Performances will take place at the Park City Community Church, 4501 Hwy 224, Park City, on Dec. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m with doors opening at 6 p.m.

A Christmas Eve tale

David Conte’s ‘The Gift of the Magi’ adapts O. Henry’s classic Christmas tale as an opera. The story follows Jim and Della, a poor but devoted couple who each sell their most treasured possession to buy the other a gift on Christmas Eve.

Benjamin Beckman will conduct the orchestra for the 75-minute production, which features songs in English. Before each performance, a Christmas art market in the lobby will offer glass ornaments, ceramics, paintings and holiday cards. Union Patisserie will provide concessions.

Park City Opera attracts more award-winning talent

The cast includes singers from across the country who will participate in a post-show Q&A. Théodora Cottarel stars as Della and Shea Owens as Jim. Sarah Neal, who played Rosina in ‘The Barber of Seville,’ returns for this production. Lisl Wangermann serves as stage manager. Tickets start at $25.

For those living in Salt Lake City, there will be a performance at Clubhouse SLC on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at 850 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City