AMATO OPERA THEATRE - travel log

globevisions  |  amato opera  |  pix bank |  credits & contacts 

Anthony Amato has been in America since he was 7 years old, he arrived on a boat from Napoli. He was born in Minori, province of Salerno. In the 30s the Italian-American Community is very large, and for Anthony it's not a problem to find a job in a macaroni factory first, and then as a waiter and a butcher. Now 22 years old, illness prevents him from performing manual labor, so he decides to pursue his passion, along with his four brothers, all musicians. Soon Anthony's calling comes into fruition. He goes for lessons first, then teaches soldiers, tours the stage and finally takes the big step and opens his own theatre: the Amato Opera Theatre.

So, after 54 uninterrupted years of bel canto and 60 different opera productions, Maestro Amato still finds the energy and enthusiasm to teach young bohemian singers and give the opportunity to more experienced artists to perform on a stage only a few feet away from the audience. But he's not alone, Sally, his wife, assists and makes recommendations, takes care of the costumes, the make-up and puts the final touches on the scenery.

An evening at the Amato Opera is fun for all. Listen with your eyes shut concentrating on the music, cheer for the young talent, laugh at the crude papier-mâché elephant tusks brought on stage by the Aida slaves, at mishaps such as the Pagliacci whose last minute stitches unfurl leaving them in underwear, at the beloved son of Madame Butterfly who sheds real tears for fear of the big moment, and most affectionately at the horse of Don Giovanni which stubbornly shows its backside to the audience. But more than this the actors and public both become part of the show, of the passion, of the music, and of the Opera.