THE PLAY, STORY AND ATTRACTIONS

 

A Melbourne man is confronted with a promotion to a high post in Mexico provided his wife agrees to abort her unborn baby in the interests of his firm. He and his wife and family are thrown into conflict and confusion, with no decision forthcoming. Circumstances cause a sudden flashback into the past, into Mexico of the sixteenth century. The same crisis befalls an identical Aztec couple who are urged to kill their child in a human sacrifice so as to get the support of their pagan gods in the Aztec uprising against their Conquistador conquerors..

The Virgin Mary appears to Diego an Aztec peasant and miraculously leaves her own MIRACULOUS IMAGE on the front of his tilma cloak. The apparition so impressed the Aztecs, they stopped human sacrifices and converted to the Christian faith. The main characters in the story ultimately choose life over death. Today, Mexico is still converted after nearly five hundred years and Mary’s image is still everfresh on an enshrined altar in Guadalupe, Mexico. Mary’s message of Life and Hope and Courage is as urgent today as it was in 1531.

The play is written in modern English and contemporary music with strong dialogue, fast action, scintillating songs, dynamic dances and gorgeous costumes. It offers two solid hours of pure entertainment, yet constantly challenging the mind with soulful reflections.

Writers

The musical was written by John Lee and Anne Lim. John Lee is an established Melbourne playwright who has staged plays in New York, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne and Sydney.

The music was written by Peter Foster, a gifted composer who also lives in Melbourne.

Quotes

“This musical play has the potential to stir up a lot of people to the realisation that human life is precious and inviolate at all times and in all conditions.”

--Fr. Frank Maher S.J., Editor of Magazine- Messenger of the Two Hearts

“Call of Guadalupe is a big play with a good message, something I would like to direct if I can find a sponsorship to take care of my expenses for at least six months preparing it for the stage."

--Donald Macdonald, Director of the Pope’s play, Carnivale Festival

“I heartily recommend this play and the creative and meaningful way the playwright and composer have put it together. The songs I find particularly poignant and moving.”

--Cyril Drew, Catholic Education Office, Archdiocese, Melbourne.

“Dear John, I have reviewed the script of your play from the website,I wish you well with every encouragement. I would be interested to know how things progress, if you like to keep me informed.”

--Cardinal George Pell,Archbishop of Sydney.

“Your script is absolutely marvellous, John. It presents us with a challenge to celebrate life and to ward off any attempt to undermine it, or exterminate it. I can’t wait to see the play acted out.”

--Andrew Rabel, journalist for “Inside the Vatican”

Present And Future Plans

The production team plann to stage full-scale shows in every capital city in Australia and travelling show visiting the country towns. Also planns are for overseas staging of the musical in countries like New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and, from thereon to other parts of the whole world.

Rights and royalties for the staging of the play are to be negotiated with John Lee and Peter Foster. The amount of royalty to be paid will be considered and adjusted according to the financial capacities and profit potentialities of the negotiating theatre groups.

It is expected that as far as possible all participation services in the play-production, whatever their nature, are to be rendered on a purely voluntary basis.

All incomes after deduction of expenses incurred in all play-productions anywhere are to be ploughed back into a central FRIENDS OF COG Expansion Fund that will be used to foster and spread the play in Australia, overseas and throughout the world.

Patrons And Guidance And Accountability

FRIENDS OF COG have been privileged to receive the endorsement and spiritual guidance for our organization from individuals and groups well-known and well-experienced in the national and international field of pro-life activities and public services. We hold ourselves accountable to them for our aims, plans, conduct and operations, and we intend to seek their individual advice constantly and consistently..

Patrons Of COG

Bishop Mark Coleridge…Bishop Hilton Deakin…Bishop Chris Prowse…Mgr.Peter Elliott…Fr.Frank Maher…Fr.Ken Barker…Fr.Ian Waters….Fr.Michael Shadbolt…Fr.Gerard Dowling…Fr.John Winson…Fr.Steve Fletcher…Joy Hunt…Alan and Carmel Panozza…Roger and Margaret McWhinney…Margaret Tighe…Kevin Cross…Jason Yeap…Dr.Lim Cheok Peng…Dr.Christopher Kiing…Margaret West…Richard Grant…Majella Bollen…Marcia Riordan…Ben and Tanya O’Brien…Denise Cameron, Michael Leahy.

Patron Groups

Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Australia…Disciples of Jesus… Missionaries of God’s Love…Legion of Mary…Pro Life Victoria…Helpers of God’s Precious Infants…Family Life International…Combined Societies of Mary…Respect Life Office…Religious Education Office, Melbourne Diocese…Catholic Family Services

Leaders and Members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Australia,are already active in the forefront helping to organise the production team of the FRIENDS OF COG. We are also making moves to contact and involve the participation of all other pro-life groups in Victoria. We are also open to any religious or civic group that manifests its belief in our basic human right to life whatever the circumstances, and we welcome their participation and co-operation.