By: C.M. Paul.
Siliguri: A school in North Bengal put together an ambitious project to perform an Off Broadway Gospel musical with a cast of some 300 students.
Ranked 1st Boys’ School in West Bengal and securing 6th All India rank in the Education Today survey Don Bosco School Siliguri established in 1973 presented the 70 minute musical for its annual parents’ day, 3-4 December 2016.
The Parents’ Day for the high school section which has about 1000 students saw some 700 of them performing on stage for various events.
The Witness a musical dance drama tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth from the point of view of a fisherman-cum-apostle, Peter (Simon bar-Jonah) whom Jesus Christ made head of the apostles.
A fisher of men, Peter (Nischay Singh of Class XI) with the help of an enthusiastic cast, tells and sings the story of Jesus of Nazareth, narrating his astounding ministry and miracles, his tragic death and his world transforming resurrection.
Shreyansh Agarwal of class XI rendered a brilliant performance as Jesus in the musical arranged by Mr John Paul and choreographed by Mr Ashis and team.
“This is the second time that this musical is staged during my tenure in Siliguri,” says Principal Fr V.T. Jose commenting on Jimmy and Carol Owens’ musical The Witness.
The 20 song collection for choir, soloists, and piano titles in the musical included The Witness, Lullaby, Nothing Ever Happens, When You Find the Truth, Mary’s Song (Whatever he says), Born again, Life Giver – You are the Christ, My Boys, Make Me Like You, Hosanna (Triumphal Entry), In Love for Me (Communion Song), Silver & Gold, Crucifixion Dirge, He Came in Love, They Took Him Down, The Victor, I Love You Lord, Lambs Alone, The Room Upstairs – Get Ready, Reprise (Life Giver-Born Again -You are the Christ).
The musical consisted of some 200 dancers and singers backed by a choir of another 100 boys.
Ten angel characters dressed in white and draped in capes riding on roller skates rendered much grace and movement at critical moments of the play.
“The boys rendered the songs with zest and gusto, and gave spirited performance,” says music master Mr John Paul who staged the musical in Siliguri some two decades ago.
Chief guest at the event, Bishop Vincent Aind of Bagdogra complimented the ‘excellent performance of the students” and congratulated principal Fr Jose for taking up the bold initiative.