Music and magic are what the BP Marionettes always aim to bring to audiences with their anticipated annual Christmas concerts. And with their 2017 presentation I Dream A World just days away (Thursday 7th — Sunday 10th December at Queen’s Hall), preparations are in high gear.
Their patrons have said for over 50 years that “Christmas begins with the Marionettes” — and it’s a responsibility they’ve taken to heart! Unstinting attention is given to every aspect of the production — the music, the sets, the costumes, the lighting, the sound, and the overall theme — so as to uplift and entertain audiences before sending them home full of all that is bright and beautiful about the Christmas season. To this end, some 130 singers from the adult, youth, and children’s arms of the Marionettes as well as teams of musicians, set builders, costume-makers, and production designers are all busily working to put together another unforgettable “Christmas with the Marionettes” concert experience.
Magical music for a cause
Audiences can look forward to a life-affirming, festive programme of spirituals, gospel, musical theatre, classical, and popular local and international Christmas favourites. And they can also feel happy knowing that the proceeds from their ticket purchases will help bring the hope and promise of Christmas to those in need much further afield. The concert’s theme is “I dream a world”, and the Marionettes want to make those dreams a reality.
For the last 12 performances over the last 18 months, the Marionettes have raised over $500,000 for initiatives in communities across the country, and the work continues this Christmas. Partner organisations have included All Saints and Holy Rosary churches and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Port of Spain); the Church of St Philip & St James (Chaguanas); La Romaine RC Church; Mount St Benedict (Tunapuna); and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (Paramin). The Marionettes have also partnered with the Living Water Community, donating part proceeds of last year’s Christmas concert to their local outreach efforts, and part proceeds of this year’s to their hurricane relief efforts in Barbuda and Dominica.
The Marionettes will also partner once again with title sponsor bpTT to host their traditional special matinée. Regional President of bpTT Norman Christie explains: “The highlight of the Marionettes Christmas concert series for me each year is the opportunity presented to my family to join in working with my fellow employees and other volunteers in hosting the special matinée performance for senior citizens and challenged children from caretaker institutions across the country.” In addition to bpTT, who have sponsored the group since 1972, media sponsors Flow Trinidad and the Caribbean New Media Group (Sweet 100.1FM, TalkCity 91.1FM, and CTV) once again lend their support for this series.
Tickets for I Dream a World
Tickets ($150–$300) for I Dream A World are on sale at from members; from the Living Water Community (Frederick Street, 625-6730); at the Queen’s Hall Box Office (10am–5:30pm, 624-1284), and marionetteschorale.com (through opening night only). For more information, contact the Marionettes on Facebook, and at orders@marionetteschorale.com or 790-1751 (9am–5pm, Monday–Saturday).
