AN EASTER TALE

– An article in The Statesman, New Delhi, Kolkata, 02May2014

 

An Easter eve musical proved to be a visual and spiritual treat

 

This Easter eve, the Lorraine Music Academy staged a musical, titled An Easter Tale, at Epicentre Auditorium, Gurgaon on 19 April. This musical evening is in aid of the Lamp Trust and the National Patriotic Project Come India Sing. IAS officer John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, and Manoj George, an Advocate in the Supreme Court were the guests of honour.

 

  The story and significance of Good Friday and Easter were told through an interesting dialogue between mother Becca and her daughter Karen in the modern day India. Scenes from Jesus‘ life were enacted out and sung. These included the episode of Jesus healing the blind man, forgiving the adulterous woman, healing people and washing his disciples’ feet. The highlight was the enactment of The Last Supper, with all 12 disciples sitting at a table and eating with Jesus.  A total of 30 artists participated in the musical. The role of Jesus was played by Aubrey Aloysius, Judas by Andrew Packiam, Peter by Kaustav Sood, Mary Magdalene by Ananya Ravi. All the actors sang and acted beautifully. Bharatanatyam dance performers Monica and Heera depicted scenes from Jesus’ life through a graceful performance. Lorraine Fiona Aloysius sang a song titled “There’s something that’s different about him”, which described Jesus’ supernatural powers even while he was on earth. His voice actually calmed the stormy sea.  Many famous Easter favourites, including both old and new, were beautifully rendered. They included "The Old Rugged Cross", "Mary Did You Know", "The Stone Is Rolled Away" and "He Lives". The grand finale was the Rock gospel song "My Redeemer Lives" sung by the LAMPstand Rock Band and 20 young children. The musical was directed by young automobile engineer Tina Samuel, with simple but creative and impactful props and period costumes.

 

 The musical also witnessed the launch of "Come India Sing A Gospel Song", a new category of the nation-wide talent contest and audition "Come India Sing" with the singing of the famous gospel song "Amazing Grace" by Aditi Iyer and Mozart’s "Hallelujah" by Serene Yoneko. This category will encourage aspiring Indians who wish to showcase their talent and aspire to be launched on a global platform. Some of the world’s greatest pop artists and Grammy Award winners like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and many others either won their first Grammy Award or launched their singing careers by singing a gospel song.