Festival organizer Deena McDaniel discusses the show with Andrew Curran, who will play Santa.
The choir of First Presbyterian Church invites children from the audience to help sing Silent Night.
. . . as Sean leaps from the stage for some close-up dancing.
Jesse is at the leading edge of a jazz revival in South Florida.
Santa returns once more to lead the crowd in Silent Night, using their cellphones as candles.
“Hug her like you mean it!” I said. Sure enough, the girl came through for me. 🙂
He even scowls amid the festivities.
Deena and three friends form a dance quartet.
. . . as sax master Jesse Jones Jr. and his friend, guest trombonist Charlie, play together.
The singers really seem to feel the message themselves.
. . . a soul on trial for her life . . .
. . . and as Christ, who secures her pardon.
Jeff Maldonado sings and plays lead guitar for Peace Fighter.
Gravelly voiced Dale Powers plays keyboard . . .
. . . causing her to break down in grief.
The newly freed soul rejoices.
Children of Many but ONE sing about Christmas.
A dad twirls his little girl.
. . . and gives the first gift of the season to the Holy Family.
Destiny Rayne’s bassist tunes his instrument. I got on my knees to get this angle. 🙂
A Satan figure brings them to their knees.
Then he sings a carol honoring the Christ Child.
Santa hams it up for the camera. 🙂
The drumline of Chaminade-Madonna High School gets everyone’s attention . . .
Dr. E whips up some enthusiasm from the crowd . . .
A crowd member gets into the dance.
She announces to Joseph that she is to bear GodÕs Son.
Santa takes the stage . . .
Women in brown outfits perform as the Children of Israel.
Grinchy glares from his mountain.
As night falls, a large teddy bear on the stage takes on a magical hue . . .
And the audience vigorously follows along.
A singer with Sensere gives it up for the gospel.
They look forward to deliverance by a Messiah.
Joseph rejects her in disbelief . . .
A rosy sunset joins the crowd in greeting Santa.
Children check out the nativity story in the Bible.
Gabriel encourages her . . .
The women cry out for freedom from sin and its price.
Deena performs a narrated mime in three roles, as a satanic accuser . . .
Members of Destiny Rayne’s band do a sound check.
Mary dances with the daughters of Israel . . .
A member of Many but ONE gets some Grinchy makeup.
Pastor Al Pino of Palm Vista Community Church, Miami Lakes, gives a short message on the meaning of Christmas.
DJ Mr. E is hard to get in a candid shot. He always knows where the camera is. 🙂
Blue-gowned dancers dance to a soulful version of Joy to the World.
As the kids dance . . .
Reassured, he accepts Mary.
. . . for Santa’s arrival, in a classic T-Bird.
One last shot: Deena with her husband, Mickey. She gathers the talent for CNTB, while he helps with the organization and financing. This is the twelfth time they’ve put together this beautiful Christmas gift for South Florida.
I was privileged to be given such access to the festival — I was even allowed on the stage for reverse shots like this.
Angels surround and adore the Baby Jesus . . .
. . . and thank God for their deliverance.
. . . and the Wise Men offering gifts to the Christ Child.
Angels dance with Mary.
. . . as does a Christmas tree.
He then joins the dance and embraces the day … and one of the dancers. 🙂
A family waits for the show to start.
Christine Maldonado sings with Peace Fighter, a favorite band at CNTB.
The dancers celebrate the story.
. . . then confirms MaryÕs destiny to Joseph.
Some of the Many but ONE company dance a parody of Dr. Seuss’ book “The Grinch That Stole Christmas.”
A Satan figure brings them to their knees.
Destiny Rayne opens the five hours of music, dance and pageantry in CNTB 2018.
Many but ONE has talented dancers in a range of ages.
Sensere merges gospel with Motown-era soul.
Check out their shirts: “God, Family & the Band.” Great riorities.
. . . but he checks out the story for himself . . .
. . . even leaping for joy.
The green guy is not amused . . .
Christmas Near the Beach 2018 featured Many but ONE, a ballet troupe and dance school in Boca Raton, Florida.
Sean Olivera leads kids in some hip-hop, a role he’ll fill two or three times over the night.
Kids get into the groove.
A family waits for the show to start.
Deena and a friend help Sean lead dancing.
