“The Miracle of Christmas” production brings holiday cheer

BY JAIME DEJESUS & MEAGHAN MCGOLDRICK

It’s a Christmas miracle!

The Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph and DeSales Media presented “The Miracle of Christmas,” a special Christmas theater production that included a 3D mapping experience, live music, dancing and more than 25 performers on the evening of Wednesday, December 14 at the Co-Cathedral of Saint Joseph, 856 Pacific Street.

The production was free to the public and the first of its kind.

“We started with an outdoor concert and tree lighting,” said Craig Tubiolo, director of programming and production for DeSales Media. “This was the second annual tree lighting.”

This year, the production value and holiday cheer were increased with live performances, modern day technology and Christmas lights. “It’s the first one we’ve ever done like this,” he said. “We did the 3D video mapping, which enhanced the lighting and the music. It was really beautiful and amazing. At the end, Bishop James Massa [auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Brooklyn] thanked everyone and spoke about how the cathedral in the old days was used as a hub and a meeting space for theatrical performances. It was beautiful and inspired others.”

Over 1,000 people showed up to the performance. Mother Maria Amador, who directed and wrote the play, had a great experience in the process.

“The message of the play is the humanity of Mary and Joseph. People think Joseph thought about Mary in a bad way, but no, they were married,” she said. “They loved each other. They were faithful. They were the perfect marriage and for that reason God chose them to give his son to us.”

The performers were equally excited to work with Amador. “She has been amazing,” said Jasmine Neal, a vocal student who played Mary. “She broadened the range of emotions I wanted to show as the Virgin Mary. So I couldn’t ask for anyone better to be a director. She’s perfect.”

Aaron Heeps, who plays Joseph, enjoyed the way the timeless story was told. “The play starts with a place where there isn’t love so we create a space where there is. It’s a love of Jesus and the Israelites. If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this show, it’s love.”

Daniel Rodriguez and Carlie Romo were in attendance and sang. “When they sang ‘Let it Snow’ at the end, he said if we all pray, maybe we can get some snow, and I shot off these giant cannons of white snow made of paper,” said Tubiolo. “Everyone was amazed and that sort of set the tone for the night.”

Tubiolo’s hope is to expose the production to a younger demographic. “I want to just sort of give them the idea of what we can do in the church,” he said.

For those who couldn’t make it to the cathedral, “The Miracle of Christmas,” will be aired on NET TV on Saturday, December 24 at 8 p.m., Sunday, December 25 at 7 p.m. and December 26 at 9:30 p.m.

For channel listings, visit www.netny.tv.