Sunday, March 22, 2015

Santa Isabel kids dramatize life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary in musical show

“How could I bear a crown of gold when my Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!”
ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY

By Alex P. Vidal

IN a colorful and pompous musical production, pupils of Santa Isabel College in Iloilo City and Santa Isabel International School Inc. dramatized the life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary at the Rose Memorial Hall in Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro district, Iloilo City March 21.

Sixteen-year-old Alleah Frances Marie Francisco played the role of the Queen, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who died before her 24th birthday in 1231.
Luis Miguel Alvarez played the role of Landgrave Ludwig IV, who, at age 20, married 14-year-old St. Elizabeth at Wartburg Castle in 1220.
They had three children: Hermann II, Landgrave of Thuringia, and Sophie of Thuringia.
Young Elizabeth became the patroness of Catholic charities and of the Secular Franciscan Order when she manifested great love for the poor and suffering.
Her great popularity resulted in her canonization four years after her death.

DIRECTION

Under the spiritual direction of a Franciscan friar, she led a life of prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor and sick.

She also wore simple clothing in a hope to become one of the poor. She gave bread to the poorest in the land who came to her gate.
Ludwig IV died in the Crusades after six years of marriage and she became grief-stricken.
Her husband’s family mistreated her on suspicion that she was squandering the royal purse until she was thrown out of the palace.
She was reinstated when her husband’s allies returned from the Crusades owing to her son’s status as heir to the throne.
“I love the role (that was given to me). It was very challenging but I’m proud I was able to deliver,” beamed Alleah.
Show producer and scriptwriter Aldene Jose Lapating Duyag hailed Alleah “for giving justice to the role.”
He also credited Alleah’s “one big family for their 100 percent support of her talent.”

Rhea Borres Canong, Alleah’s mother who came all the way from Chicago, Illinois, USA to watch the play, said her daughter was “high spirited” when she rendered the “live” solo song “I Dreamed A Dream” in the penultimate Scene 18.

CASTS

Other casts were: Gian Franco Espinal as Master Conrad of Marburg, Umbriel Heather Ortega as Young Elizabeth, Eariane Jed Quimot as Queen Sofia, Akef Arnel Ledesma as Landgrave Herman I; Laurie Joyce Piedad, Jamellah Kate Chan, Michaela Francheska Reyes as Three Handmaids; Paul Gabriel Gasataya as Young Herman.
The Franciscan Friars were: Ethan Craig Inguillo, Jesse Cyrille Magno, Chris J. Oribe; Jacob Ledesma as Young Ludwig, Rex Michael Pelobello as Adult Heinrich Raspe, Sean Brendan Setias as Young Heinrich Raspe, Julienne Ysabelle Villalobos as Sister, Lyia Adrianna Libanan as Aunt Matilda, Anthony John Keenan Belleza as Uncle Eckbert, Jerdin Vince Quimot as Priest, Bernard Anton Obligacion as Ambassador to the King, Herbert John Balasa as Castle Official.
Ludwig’s followers were: John Marvic Tumilba, Geonell Jereza, Jose Miguel Sanson, Marc Jonler Ulay, Juan Gabriel Haguisan.
Elizabeth’s children were: Eiharra Anjelive Corral and Gabriel Louise Urbino.
The beggars were: John Michael Mella, Joryn Oribe, Kjetil Josth Acielo, Kaiser Prince Villanueva, Josh Ryan Reynoso, Pawandeep Singh Aytan, Chan Hyuk Jeon, Francis Gielor Castro.
Lora Mae A. Gabawa was the narrator.
The show, directed by Avelino Dayang Jr., started at 4 o’clock in the afternoon until 7 o’clock in the evening.
Executive producers were: Angel De Leon, Jr., president of Santa Isabel College; Dr. Nanette De Leon, school principal; and Angel Theodore De Leon, school administrator.

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