Internationally-acclaimed operatic tenor Jesus Garcia (Jesus G) is presenting a different, very personal side of his musical capabilities this September. Garcia, who is the recipient of a Tony Award Honor for Excellence in Theater for his leading role in Baz Luhrmann's "La Boheme" on Broadway, has been featured on opera stages around the globe. He will present a theatrical rendering of his song cycle, MANIFEST DESTINY, at Philadelphia's Fringe Festival. The work plays The Arden Theatre Company's Arcadia Stage from September 12 through September 15 for five performances only. Press are invited to the 9PM performance on September 12.
MANIFEST DESTINY explores the juxtaposition of Garcia's Catholic upbringing, his Native-American ancestry, and his sexuality as told though his alter-ego, Jesus G. The theatrical presentation, told through his alter-ego, Jesus G, seeks to challenge the abuse of power, and honor the soul's journey, from its trials to its triumphs. Garcia will perform the song cycle live every evening during the limited engagement in Philadelphia.
Tickets to MANIFEST DESTINY are $15 and can be purchased by visiting FringeArts.com. More on MANIFEST DESTINY can be found below.
Jesus Garcia on the origins of "Manifest Destiny" -
"I've always believed that the medium of music; while essential for escape, entertainment, and emotional release; can also be used as a tool to free the soul through political, religious, and spiritual questioning.
The term "manifest destiny" was originally used in reference to the European settlers who invaded North America with the proclamation that their "God" had promised this land to his followers. Of course, the Native Americans asked, "Who is this God of yours who would set man against his brother in conquest of a land that cannot be bought nor sold? Surely, this cannot be the great man, Jesus, whom we have heard of.
'Manifest Destiny' seeks to challenge the bigoted views of the separatist, religious person who believes that he will, somehow, show up at the gates of heaven and be rewarded with a place in the eternal pantheon. In my opinion, any idea of inequality in the name of God is erroneous and is the root of all war. For truly, in the end, if one's truth has led to the oppression and death of others, then whom is this God who has influenced these actions? Was it God at all? Or was it a man-made creation posing as God?
We are bigger than the rules that seek to bind us, bigger than the religions that seek to control us, we are the ones we've been waiting for."
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