How did I miss this one in Morning Briefing?
From Manila, Reuters reports on a new musical opening Dec. 12 ( five days before Pope Francis’ 78 birthday): “I ♥ Pope Francis” is filled with dancing and 24 original songs. The ensemble cast of 50 amateur actors includes five priests, with Fr. Ric Luzung -- a veteran of community theater -- in the lead role as the pope.
The makers of "I ♥ Pope Francis" based the mostly English-language musical on news stories and literature about the pope, but add fictional elements to complete the narrative, according to Reuters.
"You entertain, you evangelize and at the same time, it's also a vocation campaign for young audiences who want to become priests or nuns some day," said Show director Andy Alviz.
Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines Jan. 15-19. No word yet if he will catch a show.
