By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

As the holidays blanket Linden Ponds, residents have numerous reasons to stay home, beyond keeping warm from the elements. At Linden Ponds, musical and theatrical performances abound from early December until the dawn of the New Year.

This year’s festivities include an opera performance by the Linden Ponds Singers; the community’s annual Trim-a-Tree Celebration; and an expanded, family-friendly "First Night" extravaganza.

Theater magic
On December 10, 11, and 12, the Linden Ponds Singers will perform a 20-minute concert featuring bell ringers, flute duets, and songs, followed by Gian Carlo Menotti’s 50-minute opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors.

"Theater magic is what we try to do here," says Lo Steele, who will direct, produce, and perform in the opera. "Everything comes together and just makes sparks."

The opera is the story of the miracle that takes place when a boy with disabilities, Amahl, is visited by three kings, played by Linden Ponds residents Armand Ruby, Bob Sprenger, and Guy Steele. Irene Dirocco will play the kings’ page, while Amahl will be played by Sean Feth, a ten-year-old from Hingham whom Mrs. Steele calls "a fabulous young actor." She will play Amahl’s mother, a role she has performed three times in professional productions.

"We are so lucky. Never in a thousand years did I dream I’d get to be doing this," says Alma Petrillo, who lives at Linden Ponds and provides piano accompaniment for the show. "There’s so much talent here; [it’s] so wonderful."

Musical celebrations
Music from the Linden Ponds Singers will also accompany this year’s fourth-annual Trim-a-Tree Celebration, when those who live at Linden Ponds decorate trees