Music can bridge the gap

Ebenezer Jr, a musical, and a choir to be staged on December 1 and 2 in Dubai

Music has that incredible quality of reviving memories, revitalising traditions and bridging cultural gaps.

This quality has been successfully put to use by EBCI (Emirates Baptist Church International) through their presentations of musicals for the last seven years. Ebenezer Jr (or Christmas is not a Humbug), a play by Paul M. Miller, based on Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, and an adult choir celebrating the majesty, the mystery and the miracle of Christmas will regale audiences on December 1 and 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai, auditorium. Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm. Attendance is free.

The musical alternates between the play and carol singing, threaded together by a narrator's commentary. The teenage actors are aged 13 to 15 and the choir comprises 37 young children aged six to 12 years.

"At no other time of the year do we so look forward to engaging the past by blending fresh experiences with ancient customs," believes Sandy Smith of EBCI. The play teaches that festive occasions are not just about getting things. A young boy with a 'scrooge' mentality travels back in time to Bethlehem and learns about reaching out to people.

The cast and the choir are multinational. The teen actors and younger choir members of 18 nationalities, - including those from Egypt, SA, Japan, India, Iran, Lebanon, Canada, UK, USA, Jordan, several African countries and Philippines - have come together under the guidance of Dara Nassar and June Barker. "After last year's success when the Crowne Plaza auditorium was overflowing with people eager to attend the programme, we decided to have two shows this year," said Sandy.

A 55-strong adult choir with a repertoire of 10 songs will follow the teen dramatic ensemble performance. Music is arranged by Marty Parks and Tom Fettke. During intermission, Elias Bardawil, director of the adult choir, will lead several traditional carols with audience participation.

"This is a regular feature of our presentations. It is wonderful the way people from diverse backgrounds sing in harmony from their common heritage," added Elias.

Ever since they returned from summer vacation, children have been practising every week. Vashti from Kenya, Hannah from India, Charmain from Philippines and Natasha of Lebanese descent will sing the solos.

Costumes for the choir and play are by Debbe Wilson.