Becoming Santa Claus facts for kids

Becoming Santa Claus is a fun and magical opera created by Mark Adamo. An opera is like a play where the story is told mostly through singing, with music played by an orchestra. Mark Adamo not only wrote the music for this opera but also the words, which are called the libretto. He wrote it in English, so it's easy to understand! The Dallas Opera asked him to create this special show. It first opened on December 4, 2015, at the Winspear Opera House. The whole show lasts about 100 minutes, which is just over an hour and a half.

About the Opera

This opera tells a brand new story about Santa Claus before he became the jolly old man we know. It's a Christmas story that explores how Prince Claus, a young and spoiled prince, learns what it truly means to give and to be kind. He has to discover the spirit of Christmas and how to spread joy to others. The story is full of humor and heart, making it a perfect holiday show for families.

The Story's Big Idea

The main idea of Becoming Santa Claus is about growing up and learning important lessons. Prince Claus thinks only about himself at first. But through his adventures, he starts to understand the real meaning of generosity and how much happiness comes from making others happy. It's a journey of self-discovery that leads him to become the beloved Santa Claus.

Characters in the Opera

In an opera, the characters are called "roles," and each one is sung by a different singer. Each singer has a special "voice type" that fits the character. For example, a "tenor" usually sings higher notes, while a "bass" sings lower notes.