Making a wish

By Senashia Ekanayake

Having walked in to what was informed as a “rehearsal” I see madly screaming people, of all ages and sizes. Some run about while others chat catching up since the last rehearsal. Once the madness subsides, the actual rehearsal begins with the arrival of the journalist.

The special point about The Wish List is that the proceeds will go to making one wish of each of the patients at the children’s ward of the National Cancer hospital come true. It was indeed the most touching point of the organisers who actually went to the hospital and asked each patient what they would like and bent their efforts to making these dreams come true.     

The half an hour spent at St. Paul’s was indeed a happy one. Not only did I leave excited about the actual performance but it left a warm fuzzy feeling within after having listened to a few personal favourites and songs that were featured in the production. The practice started off with a bit of Dolly Parton and moved towards the sounds of Cee-Lo Green and K.C. and the Sunshine Band. My intensity and excitement rose to greater heights upon hearing that the musical would include David Guetta. This toe-tapping performance brings together children and adults between the ages of four to twenty-eight and is directed by Shannon Jacob.

Interior designer and choir director by day and artiste and director whenever she is free, Shannon finally fulfils her lifelong dream with the staging of “The Wish List.” The 23 year-old having been involved with other choirs and productions achieved her wish when she was able to assemble a group of friends, their families and friends of friends to form her own choir. She went on to say that she was amazed at how selflessly most performers had given so much of their talent and time to make it happen. Weekly practices took place at the beginning of this year becoming more frequent during the holidays. The songs were selected based on the likes of the singers and advice of the adults. In wanting to accommodate all ages and a varied audience, old and new schools were put together.

 What’s with the name? A question that bothered me as it didn’t seem to any relevance with the items being performed. The proceeds of Music Inc.’s musical will support the National Cancer Institute - Children's Ward and their “wishes”. Shannon goes on to say that with this cause at hand, it was easier to approach sponsors despite being new kids on the block. She also smiled broadly and affirmed that Christmas time would definitely see another production from the performers.

 Seventy items by 40 singers and instrumentalists or as the Director herself stated, “A fun bunch that gelled well” presents, “The Wish List” that will be held on April 26, at 7.30pm at Lionel Wendt.