'The Magical Christmas Box' to open at the Teatro Amazonas on Tuesday (17)

Between drama and comedy, the musical tells the story of a child who rediscovers the meaning of Christmas amidst symbolic characters.

Rescuing the feelings of solidarity and connection between people is the basis of the show "The Magic Box of Christmaswhich debuts at the Amazonas Theaternext Tuesday (17/12), at 20h.

Between drama and comedy, the musical tells the story of a child who rediscovers the meaning of Christmas amid symbolic characters accompanied by the cast of the Artistic Bodies of the State. Promoted by the Amazonas State Government, through the State Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, the event has free entrance and free rating.

With stage direction by Matheus Sabbá and text by Thaís Vasconcelos, the show features the Amazonas Filarmônica, Orquestra Experimental da Amazonas Filarmônica, Coral do Amazonas, Corpo de Dança do Amazonas, Balé Experimental do Corpo de Dança do Amazonas, Balé Folclórico do Amazonas, and Coral Infantil do Liceu Claudio Santoro. The musical direction is by maestro Marcelo de Jesus.

Inspiration

The argument for the musical came from Sabbá, who was inspired by the idea of the Christmas present as a starting point for the creation of the story.

"The gift not as a material sense of a product, but a gift with meaning, feelings, and teachings," she explains. "From there, Thaís, who is the playwright, and I sat down and came up with the story of a child who lost the meaning of Christmas after losing his mother very early, who was her reference for this time of the year. He then stays with his grandmother, who tells her about a chest in the basement of the house that contains a gift box and a letter from his mother. The letter is a farewell to his mother, and after reading it, he opens the box. That's when a leprechaun appears and takes him on an adventure," says the director.

Scenic conception

Classic elements, such as the pine tree and gift boxes, are part of the scenic conception of the show, but beyond the symbols, "A Caixa Mágica do Natal" aims to highlight one of the true meanings of the season: being close to those we love, as Thaís Vasconcelos explains.

"We wanted a story that reminded us of what is really important at this time of year, which is the connection between people that gets lost in the midst of so much consumerism. We also wanted the play to convey to people feelings of understanding, tolerance, and love, which are increasingly difficult these days, as the character rediscovers Christmas. The text has a lot of drama and comedy, so the audience can expect high emotions.

Repertoire

For the soundtrack, the audience will be surprised with a repertoire that does not forget the Christmas classics, but also brings pop references. Conductor Marcelo de Jesus explains that the idea was to give a tone of joviality to the show.

"Since the beginning of our work with Matheus, we had already decided that we wanted to get away from the traditional. So we searched from the classics to modernity, in songs from bands and current stars. After choosing the songs, we asked the arrangers to make the transition to the orchestra. I can't reveal too much because we want the public to be surprised with what we have prepared," he says.

Relay

The Amazonas Philharmonic and the Amazonas Philharmonic Experimental Orchestra will take turns in the pit during the presentations, according to the maestro, accompanied by a support band with piano, bass, and drums, giving a big band aspect.

"The Amazonas Chorale was divided in two to be able to take turns during the sessions, and we also have our ballets accompanying a wonderful cast. It's a great production that should please everyone," says the conductor.

Cast

About the cast, which will also change every day of the show, Marcelo highlights the talent of each team and also the two children, Davi Lucas and Luh Brandão.

"We were very careful during the audition and we were able to put together two casts, with different characteristics, one younger and the other more experienced. It is great to see that Manaus offers a great market for the area", he points out. "The children are also incredible and extremely talented, and were trained at the Liceu Claudio Santoro. They are the leading thread of this show," Marcelo de Jesus points out.

"A Caixa Mágica do Natal" will be presented from December 17 to 20, at 8pm. On December 21, there will be sessions at 5pm and 8pm, and on December 22, at 11am and 7pm.

Christmas program

The Christmas program goes on until December 22, with several attractions at Largo de São Sebastião and its surroundings, always from 5pm to 9pm. Besides the Christmas Fair, during this whole period, the public will be able to visit Santa Claus' House (House of Arts) and check out daily musical, playful, and theatrical attractions, with free access.

With information from the press office