An evening of music and friendship

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This article was published 23/08/2024 (746 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Tricia Magsino Barnabe isn’t busy with her day job as a dentist, she’s pouring her heart into something just as vital to her — music.

“Performing has always been a part of my life,” Magsino Barnabe says.

Her passion for music and community has led her to co-create This Is Me, an interactive musical experience that’s set to hit the stage at Prairie Theatre Exchange tonight.

This isn’t just any musical. It’s a celebration of community, inclusion and the joy of coming together, says Magsino Barnabe.

“The show is called This Is Me because it’s about embracing who we are and inviting others to do the same.”

The event blends jazz and pop singles, Broadway hits and songs from beloved movie musicals — all brought to life by over a dozen Winnipeg singers and performers from L’Arche Winnipeg, a charity organization that provides care and advocates for people with intellectual disabilities.

“It’s sort of got a musical theatre karaoke concept. The audience is invited to come down to the stage and sing and dance with the cast. It’s going to be a lot of fun for both the performers and the audience to interact with each other,” says Magsino Barnabe.

She describes the performance as partly improvised, partly scripted, keeping everyone on their toes.

It’ll be very spontaneous and we’ve even got a zumba group coming in, so the audience can join in and dance along,” she says.

Magsino Barnabe, who has a long history in musical theatre, television and short films, sees the show as a perfect blend of her passions.

“I really have some good times with friends doing karaoke. With it being summertime, everybody loves to get together and sing. This just seemed like the perfect solution for doing a show that’s fun and spontaneous.”

The event is not just about good times — it’s also a fundraiser for L’Arche Solidarity, which supports L’Arche communities around the world, particularly those facing significant challenges.

“This show is really for L’Arche, to provide homes and social opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We wanted to do something that entertains them and allows them to entertain us as well,” Magsino Barnabe says.

“L’Arche communities around the world often face economic hardship, political instability and food insecurity,” says Jubilee Dueck Thiessen, communications and fund development co-ordinator for L’Arche Winnipeg.

“Many of these communities don’t receive the same kind of government funding that we do in Canada, so events like This Is Me are crucial for raising funds to support them.”

L’Arche Winnipeg hosts about four fundraisers annually.

“This Is Me is the biggest one we’ve ever done. We couldn’t have done it on our own — Tricia has been instrumental in bringing this to life,” Thiessen says.

The title of the musical was inspired by a performance at L’Arche Winnipeg’s 50th anniversary gala in 2023.

“Our core members with disabilities performed the song This Is Me (from The Greatest Showman), and it was such a beautiful, moving experience,” Thiessen recalls. “When I told Tricia about it, she got excited about the theme of inclusion and celebration and belonging and that’s really what L’Arche Winnipeg is all about.”

For Thiessen, the night is more than just a fundraiser; it’s about building relationships.

“It’s a unique opportunity for lots of different communities to come together, to celebrate each other and to support each other. Singing is inherently a bonding experience and this event embodies that,” she says.

This Is Me is presented as part of Kultivation Festival. Tickets include a complimentary mocktail and appetizer. For more information, see larchewinnipeg.org.

thandi.vera@freepress.mb.ca

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