By http://www.goa-world.com/ team; Photo Courtesy: Revon Gomes
Kuwait, December 22, 2008: The Holy Family Choir (H.F.C) celebrated their Annual Parents' Day with a grand musical - The Wise Fools, an English and Konkani production directed by its member and Goan star Sylvester Vaz - the 'Hitman of Konkani Stage'. The musical held at the Holy Family Cathedral's Sacred Heart Hall was free of charge and had many a message for the audience to take home in an evening filled with fun, laughter, and a high-standard melodrama apart from various other traditional and cultural programs.
The choir group that has been into existence and singing at the 8:00 am Friday mass in Kuwait for over 28 years now, once again proved to everyone that they are vastly talented other than singing devotional songs in the church. Every member who took to the stage displayed an abundance of talent, friendly presence and enthusiasm which captured hearts and minds of the audience bringing applause after every item.
The evening sparked off with an especially composed English and Konkani Opening chorus which saw the entire choir group on stage led by the dynamic director Sylvester Vaz himself. The program continued with a variety of songs, dances, mando - dulpods, puppet-show, etc, etc. Earlier, a dazzling power point presentation done by Mr. Agnelo & Mrs. Carmen Rodrigues was used to introduce the choir members and other participants.
Release of Souvenir
Saluzinho, Olinda, Sylvester, Simon
Lawry, Irene and Magaret
Lawry, Peter and Francis
Peter and Vincent in the Wise Fools
Julian, Vincent and Peter in the Wise Fools
Lawry F, Lawry M, Celine and Francisco in the Puppet show
The Dance Fiesta kids in action
The Wise Fools
The Wise Fools - a comedy skit was the main feature of the event. It is indeed another feather for Sylvester who has directed many mega plays and musicals back home in the State of Goa. The members of H.F.C who excelled in the play were Laurie M, Irene Vaz, Francisco Fernandes, Margaret D'Cruz, Peter Franco, Mirelle Rodrigues, Vincent Dias, Julian Fernandes, Jeremiah Vaz, Lawrence Fernandes, etc. All the participants played their parts with great passion and perfection. Peter Franco, the main character of the play, gave a superb performance in the role of a Film Director - so also Julian Fernandes who was very impressive.
Sylvester along with Simon, Olinda & Saluzinho set the ball rolling singing praises to the Lord in English and Konkani with foot-tapping beats, inviting the crowd to join them in singing and thus receiving tremendous response.
Child artistes Elrich Miranda and Jeremiah Vaz (son of Sylvester Vaz and Irene Vaz) amazed the audience with their comedy duo 'Bhikun Martele'. The young stars were fittingly applauded for an encore. Konkani stage is sure to see some bright stars in future if the young lads continue with their good work.
Tribute to the Church
Esparansa Crasto and Gasper Crasto combined to sing a special 'Tribute to the Church', a song highlighting bishops and priests who have struggled over the years to strengthen the church. The song was adequately supported with transition slides in the backdrop. The couple's other song - a Hindi dance number 'Dil Kya Karen' was one of the highlights of the evening as the crowd was mesmerized by the powerful vocals and dancing capabilities of Gasper (who, by the way, was performing on stage for the very first time), but seemed on par with established professional artistes. It is worth mentioning that Esparansa is a talented and dedicated member who has given outstanding performances in almost all of the Holy Family Choir presentations.
Manddo - dulpod for Goans is a sign of cultural inheritance and traditional heritage in the field of art and drama. No Goan function or event is complete without a dulpod. But lack of interest within the new generation towards these rich, traditional songs, and/or how is it transformed from the original 'Manddo' to an alienated 'Menddo' in recent times was displayed in a comedy sequence based on a manddo featuring Laurie M, Margaret, Simon - Irene, Rochelle, Mirelle, Sylvester and Celine. The song received tremendous applause from the audience for the way it was personated and presented.
Another hit item of the show was the puppet-show presented on a well decorated setting on the yesteryears' famous song of Mendes Bros "Gheun Nachotam" featuring Celine, Francisco, Laurie M, Saluzinho, Lawrence F, Olinda, Simon, and Master Jeremiah.
Kuwait - a land of short dreams: A trio to remember
It is a proven fact that Kuwait is a land of short dreams for people working here. Everyone has to return back to their country of origin sooner or later, for some reason or another. But there are people who futilely think of making their life a 'permanent' haven here without a vision of the future. While others thank their stars for being in greener pastures, there are some who show no gratitude towards people who brought them to this land. Laurie M - Francisco Fernandes and Lawrence Fernandes rendered a trio based on this subject which was indeed a revelation. The song had an enlightening theme and lyrics.
When a person is in trouble, he either starts praying devoutly or attends church every so often. But there is little they do when it actually comes to helping the poor knocking at their doors. A thought provoking and exemplary song based on these religious values was enacted on a beautiful set amid ultra-violet lights and scenes by Julian, Margaret, Francisco, Laurie M, and Vincent in the role of Jesus with harmonious back-up singing by Sylvester, Saluzinho, Irene, Santurnino and Simon.
Sylvester and Celine with others in 'Menddo'
Mirelle, Rochelle, Simon and Irene
Gasper and Esparansa singing Tribute
Elrich Miranda and Jeremiah Vaz
Saluzinho, Simon, Celine, Rochelle, Peter in the manddo mix
Sylvester, Margaret, Santolin, Irene in a manddo mix
Francisco, Lawrie F and Lawry M in a trio
Margaret and Peter in the Wise Fools
Irene and Peter in the Wise Fools
Simon and Olinda in a melodious Manddo
Peter and Mirelle in the Wise Fools
Esparansa and Gasper singing Dil Kya Karen
Vincent and Margaret in a Manddo mix
Compere - Mario Fernandes
Kallzachim Bhavnam: a super traditional song
Another item worthy of mention was the mellifluous rendition of the mando "Kallzachim Bhavnam" by Simon and Olinda Dias. Their blending of voices, expressions and the traditional costume added charm to the mando. "Your singing made us feel like being in Goa and reminded us of the mando festival" was one of many compliments heaped upon this wonderful couple. The mando was followed by dulpods of yesteryears performed by Saluzinho, Rochelle, Saturnino, Irene, Peter, Celine, Margaret, Vincent, Mirelle and Sylvester. The costumes and props for this item were well coordinated.
The Dance Fiesta perform to great applause
A Goan Group (from Salmiya) consisting of young children called "The Dance Fiesta" was specially invited to perform. Their performance kept the audience glaring with amazement - these kids were highly appreciated not only for their wonderful performance but for their costumes and flair. The group has been performing their dance at many cultural programs and is quite popular among the audience.
Earlier, the show began with a prayer and blessing by Rev. Fr. Dominic Santamaria (the Spiritual Director of Holy Family Choir). A colorful souvenir was released at the hands of Rev. Fr. Melwyn D'Cunha, Vicar of Holy Family Cathedral and chief guest on the occasion.
The video coverage of the show was done by Joe Almeida while Rewon Gomes took credit for the still images. Sound and light for the show was provided by DJ Mario Fernandes.
A rare video clipping depicting beloved ex-Bishop of Kuwait Msgr. Francis Micallef was also on display that revived fond memories of the Bishop's acting talent during the Parents' Day 2005 celebration.
Shahu Almeida does the honors for music
Every member of the Holy Family Choir put in their hard efforts and helped to make the program vibrant, rich and successful. Shahu Almeida with his magical touch on the keyboards and Franco on the rhythms provided the entire music of the show. Master Jeremiah Vaz supported and accompanied Shahu and Franco to further titivate the evening.
The show was compered by none other than Mario Fernandes (popularly known as 'Mario de Majorda' on the Konkani Stage), choir in-charge and a key member of the Holy Family Choir who has kept the group going for past several years. The Parents' Day program was staged under his coordination and direct supervision. At the introduction, Mario acknowledged the efforts of Nevis Mascarenhas, the Choir Master, and Jorge Gomes, both of whom were unable to be part of the presentation as they were in Goa but had done their share of contribution towards the success of the Parents' Day.
:::Hearty congratulations to all the members of the Holy Family Choir for a wonderful presentation. Once again 'Wow' there is no better word than WOW - simply outstanding…! Your combined efforts are well received by all parishioners who attended the event!::
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