Review on "Care for Christmas?"

While searching for the website of our Church, I stumbled upon this interesting review of our Christian Christmas play, "Care for Christmas?". I just want to share it with you.

A Review of Two Musical Plays

Dec 28, 2006
- Kathy C. Uykiat
"Tsinoy: Chopsuey"

Care for Christmas?

The Chancellor has prepared a Christmas musical for all members of United Evangelical Church of Malabon. I admire the originality of the playwright, Tim Benedicion. His target viewers are the busy people who do not care about Christmas. Hensie Reyes and Wenselyn Reyes are responsible for the lyrics and music while Nenel Arcayan, a Chancellor repertory directed the musical play.

This story tells about the life of the Pilgrims. Richard Pilgrim is the head of the family. He is a corporate businessman who makes himself so busy during Christmas season and neglects his family because of his work schedule. Sarah, Richard's wife is a rich woman who does not stop to bother about her children even during the Christmas season. Peter Pilgrim is their eldest son who is relatively quiet but more mature than his siblings. Tracy Pilgrim is their second child and the eldest sister who holds her own opinion higher than anyone else. Henry Pilgrim is their third son and actor wannabe. He overemphasizes everything he says and does. Malcolm Pilgrim is their fourth child, a bit mischievous and the narrator of the story. Sandy Pilgrim is their fifth child but she acts more like a child and wants everyone to be done her way. Their youngest child Alice Pilgrim is sweet, adorable, and innocent. She may hold insights unknown to other family members.

Other characters that are significant to this play are Jack Dawson, Richard's right hand man and Kim Clark, Richard's secretary. The white clothed man represents Jesus Christ who is interested to see how different characters interact with Him and how people treat him during this time of the year.

The conflict of this drama starts when Tracy and Sandy had a fight over a small matter, and then Alice tried to stop them both but she was accidentally pushed away by Tracy. Alice lost her consciousness and needed to be brought in the hospital. This incident happened on Christmas eve. There is a 50 percent possibility for her to live. Richard blamed God for what happened as he lost his hope. On the other hand, his sons reminded him that God never leave them. They cited some examples such as the materials blessings that they possess to show that God is powerful and He had always blessed them from the start. The tragedy brought a good outcome because the whole family commit themselves to Christ, followed by the positive changes in their lives.

This musical play simply teaches us that we must hold on to the promises of God. He is always there for us but we have to surrender ourselves to Him first before we attain His wonderful grace, His salvation. Remember that the purpose of this Christmas is to commemorate His wonderful gift to us. God gave us His Son to save us from our sins.

The message is very apt even if it is not Christmas season. We are about halfway through the year, so it is a good time to evaluate again our lives, to really search where is God in our lives.