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