When Nino and I were younger, we would enjoy regular dates to the theater and to the opera. Living in the state of New York and less than an hour away from the famous Theater District, offered us many opportunities to enrich ourselves and our conversations with plays, musicals (both on and off Broadway) and evenings of opera and classical music in Lincoln Center. Just the other day, we were gifted with seats to enjoy #DaniGirlMNL, as part of the audience for their special media preview.
Celebrating with Purpose
Celebrating their 5th year, The Sandbox Collective decided to bring Dani Girl back to the stage with new members to the already stellar cast from their first production, years ago.
This give-back feature will be running from now until August 10th. I love that they are have worked in this charitable component to their show by way of meaningful partnerships.
The give-back feature to this production is what intrigued me, and of course gave another layer of meaning to this already meaningful story of hope and faith.
Thought Provoking and Emotional
This musical had me both laughing and crying all the way through the production. With moments that had me contemplating the meaning of inevitable pain and suffering to the conversations with God, one might have while battling “The Big C.”
All of these opportunities for introspection are offered through the imagination of Dani Lyons, who is a 9 year old girl battling her cancer as it has come back again, this time stronger than before. It is through her relationship with Raph, that we dive into her deep desire to understand, and make sense of the “whys” of modern day ailments and sickness.
Dani and her friend Marty, who is also battling cancer, traverse their imaginary adventures together while posing questions of their own, making promises to one another and eventually, reaching some answers with God’s help, of course, regarding “Why is Cancer?”
Musical and More
Nino and I really did find the acting and comedic timing nothing short of impressive. To be able to bring such a painful, yet contemporary issue to the forefront of our consciousness, whilst providing the audience pockets of laughter and fun, proves that Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond knew Dani’s magical and transformative journey would inspire us as we watched along.
We both enjoyed the show, the company, and of course the questions that we had for one another after watching such a thought provoking musical.
Great Date Night Digs
It’s always good to get out and spend some time together, it’s even better when we get to engage in adult conversation without interruptions as well.
Thankful that Meg invited us to enjoy this evening out. L-R: Meg Sta Ines-Hernandez, moi, Jane Kingsu-Cheng
When we were talking about the program in the car on the way home, I realized that this musical was filled with the many ways that we could all question our faith in The Lord, as well as the way we express that faith or the ways we, ultimately, strengthen it.
Discussing Faith and all its Facets
Younger children like Dani often times have an easier way of expressing that blind like faith, or believing in their purpose, even in the midst of facing debilitating diseases. This has actually been topic of discussion lately with Nino and me, and even with our kids when we have led certain bible studies with them. Not so much the how or the why that God would let certain things happen, but the fact that through it all, God is there, and Jesus is walking at our side.
More than that, Dani Girl was as entertaining as it was thought provoking for both me and Nino. And we are already talking about bringing the big kids sometime this month as well.
Watch out for:
If you will watch the show, here are a few things you should know:
- The show’s special effects utilize smoke machines and strobe lights.
- The show also deals with sensitive subject matter and is not appropriate for young audiences.
For more information and Tickets to this musical which will launch on August 10th and run through the month of August until September 1st, Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or click here.
The Sand Box Collective
http://sandboxcollective.org/
https://www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective/
https://www.instagram.com/sandboxcollective/
9 Works Theater
http://9workstheatrical.com/
https://www.facebook.com/9workstheatrical
https://www.instagram.com/9wtonline/
Make a Wish Philippines
http://makeawish.org.ph/
https://www.facebook.com/MakeAWishPhilippines
https://www.instagram.com/makeawishphilippines/
