THE PRODIGAL SON
A Musical Drama
The Great American story teller Mark Twain was once asked who is the
world’s greatest story teller, and he said “Jesus Christ.” When he was
asked which is the greatest story ever told. He said “The Prodigal Son.”
This great story of man’s repentance and God’s unconditional love was
presented to us the parishioners of Kuwait in a musical drama by Rev.
Fr. Francisco Pereira SDB and his team on the 16th and 17th of March
2012, as a part of the Lenten spiritual programme.
The musical was staged in The Indian English Academy School (Don Bosco)
in Salmiya, in an elaborate set up, with a spacious stage, excellent
sound system, lighting and great music. It had the makings of a
professional opera. It was a real treat to Drama lovers like me who
never got tired of watching it even twice.
The auditions to the musical were thrown open to participants from all
the parishes in Kuwait. The cast consisted of members from; Our Lady of
Arabia Parish - Ahmadi, St. Therese Parish - Salmiya, and The Holy
Family Cathedral- Kuwait City. The making of The Prodigal Son to me was
a perfect act of love. It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice on the
part of the cast and crew of the musical. The participants would come
rushing from work in the evenings, some coming straight from work. The
school going children coming for practices despite of their exams and
tuitions. The youth foregoing their spare time.
Musicians coming every evening carrying heavy burdens of their musical
instruments and other paraphernalia, not forgetting to carry snacks as
well for the little ones and those who come straight from work. The crew
consisted of age group 5 yrs to 60 yrs. They sacrificed their comfort,
family time and leisure, just to bring the message of God’s love to all
people. None of them worked for any reward. Fr. Franco and Ms Arlette
the directors of the play, spent evening after evening in spite of their
very busy schedule standing in front of the stage directing, guiding,
motivating and driving the crew to bring out the best in them.
The practices were held in the evening’s right from January 2012 to mid
March, totaling to about 64 hours. To top it all, although this venture
involved a good bit of expenses the musical was entry free for all, so
that no one would miss the opportunity to return to the heavenly
Father’s house because they could not afford. Wasn’t that love?
The outcome was truly fantastic. The musical was a hit. The Parish
priest of St. Therese Rev. Fr. Blany Pinto SDB set the spiritual tone of
the musical with a Lenten message at very outset. The audience
thoroughly enjoyed the play and had only praise for the wonderful
direction, music and performances. Both days the shows went packed
house. The characters were very well portrayed and the actors performed
their roles to the best. The costumes were beautifully designed. The
stage props by Ms Cynthia and Raul we just apt and simple. The singing
was melodious. Blossom Pereira provided great music and was ably
supported by Johnny Fernandes.
The stage was set ablaze every now and then with scintillating dances
choreographed by Fiona Lobo, Ronnie Lobo and Vicky Tanaji. The entire
play had a contemporary setting, making it easy for us to identify
ourselves with the characters and grasp the message of the play.
We congratulate Rev. Fr. Franco and the entire cast and crew for the
excellent job and for helping us find our way back HOME during this
season of Lent. The management of The English Academy School has been
very kind and generous to give their school premises for staging the
musical play completely free. The message of the prodigal son shall
remain etched in our minds forever.
- Francis Sam
Photos by Riwon Gomes, www.goa-world.com
[More photos at www.q8india.com and www.mangalorean.com websites]
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