CHRISTMAS WITH THE MARIONETTES 2011

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR CHRISTMAS WITH THE MARIONETTES 2011:
A PRAYER FOR PEACE II
9 NOVEMBER, 2011 (PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO): Fresh off their
acclaimed staging of Bizet’s Carmen last July, the Marionettes return this holiday
season with their eagerly anticipated Christmas concert. The Marionettes’ loyal
patrons have always said that “Christmas begins with the Marionettes”. And this
year, more than ever before, the Marionettes is working to usher in a spirit of
peace, joy, forgiveness and thanksgiving this holiday season. The series also
welcomes a special new guest to perform with the Marionettes for the first time!
This is a concert series with a difference. Ten years ago, soon after the events of
11th September, 2001, the Marionettes presented a series of inter-faith
community outreach concerts across the nation, called “A Prayer for Peace”. It
was a time that cried out for peace, love, unity, forgiveness and hope, and the
Marionettes visited communities all over the country spreading renewal and
restoration through music. Now ten years later, at another time of local and
international conflict and upheaval, the Marionettes and bpTT offer up “A Prayer
for Peace II”.

As always, audiences can look forward to the Chorale, under the expert direction
of conductor Gretta Taylor, weaving the Yuletide theme through a mix of
classical, spiritual, gospel, popular Christmas favourites and parang, focusing
more than ever on upliftment, healing, hope and peace. Partnering with the
Marionettes on this tremendous production are longtime sponsors of 39 years,
bpTT; and a decorated production team including Noble Douglas, Charlene
Harris, Dave Williams, Margaret Sheppard, Randy Halfhide, Celia Wells, Franklin
Agarrat, and Leslie Clement.

“A Prayer for Peace II” runs 2nd, 3rd, and 4th December. In collaboration with
sponsors bpTT, the Marionettes will also present what is often the highlight for
Marionettes of the concert series: their traditional special matinée on Saturday
3rd December, a free performance for senior citizens and children from
institutions across the island which care for some of our society’s most
vulnerable.

Over the last five years, the Marionettes has raised over TT$1 million for a wide
range of charities through their gala opening nights. This year, in the absence of
a gala and with so much work worth supporting locally and regionally, all
charities:
• the LoveUntil Foundation’s countless social outreach programmes that
provide care for abandoned children, battered women, HIV positive
patients, drug addicts, and many other people in need
• the La Madeleine Orphanage in Haiti’s rebuilding fund
• the fund for the restoration of a national monument, the Roman Catholic
Cathedral for the Immaculate Conception
• the All Saints Church renovation fund
• the Greyfriars/St. Ann’s Church of Scotland rebuilding fund
• and the Marionettes’ own Property Fund
Tickets are regularly priced at $200 (reserved) and $150 (open plan) for the rest
of the run, with discounts for students. Tickets go on sale from Monday 14th
November from the Marionettes (email@marionetteschorale.com or (868) 790-
1751); online at http://marionettes-christmas.eventbrite.com; and at the Queen’s
Hall Box Office (tel: 868-624-1284).
Shows at Queen’s Hall are 7:30pm on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd, and at
5:30pm on Sunday 4th December.
The Chorale’s two holiday CDs – “A Christmas Album” (featuring the bpTT
Renegades) and “Sing Noel” – will also be on sale during the concert, and the full
albums and individual tracks are availa