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