CHRIST-LIKE MUSIQ

in association with Haitian Sensation Foundation & Mastmine Management presents:

KATIANA 8TEEN & FINALLY FREE! THE STAGE PLAY

West Palm Beach, FL – I was invited to a wonderful stage play that was very entertaining and also carried a great message for young and old alike. The name of the play is “Katiana 8teen & Finally Free!” and was written, directed and produced by boxing notable Daniel “The Haitian Sensation” Edouard. Daniel is world rated #8 in the middleweight division by the (WBA) World Boxing Association. He is also recognized throughout the world for his efforts to assist needy communities through his Haitian Sensation Foundation. This is his first noted production that is a true life depiction of the spiritual, emotional and often physical challenges young adults face on a day to day basis.

The play centers around a young woman named Katiana, played by Carnesha Smith, who turns 18 and can’t wait to grow up. She quickly learns that her journey requires her to make some critical life decisions. Her journey is presented through music and dance that is truly captivating. You hear some of the latest in R&B, Hip Hop and Gospel music that kept the young people in the crowd attention and interest aroused. We all know that music is a major influence on our youth today and incorporating it as a main ingredient in the play was key. Carnesha performed the leading role of Katiana with great passion that left you feeling a genuine connection to her struggles growing up.

A narrative is presented that gives you Katiana’s positive and negative (good vs. evil) intentions throughout the play. Daniel does a masterful job as the voice of the “Devil” or bad influence that tries to lead Katiana down the wrong path. His delivery was very animated which kept the crowd hanging on his every word. He also has four dancers that carry out his disruptive ways called the “Devil’s Imps” where Gus Jones shines brightly with his incredible hip hop dance moves a la “You Got Served” or “Stomp The Yard” movies.

Bruce Jacobs, who served as the productions dance choreographer, played an angel character that had the most moving performances of the play. There is a scene where the four devil imps performed a dance emulating Katiana’s devilish will beating down Bruce’s angel character only to have him ultimately fight the four of them off single handedly to a rousing gospel song. It brought cheers from the crowd and garnered a rousing standing ovation. Some in the crowd even had tears in their eyes…it was that moving.

I was very impressed by the overall talent the young people ranging from the ages of 12 to 25 possessed. They worked feverishly since July of this year rehearsing from 10pm to 2am daily and fought through many obstacles to put this production together. There were a few snafus in the production, but as they do more shows, it will all come together like second nature. All in all, great job done by everyone involved from the remaining characters, creative directors, liaisons, production staff and the associate producer.

I am happy to report that this was the first in many planned forthcoming dates for the play as Daniel has his sights set on traveling to various cities to spread this great message to youth everywhere. I urge you all to go out and support this play when it comes to your city and spread the word to family, friends and co-workers. If we want to have more positive entertainment options, we have to go out and support them when they present themselves. There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into the planning of these events, so let’s reward the effort by showing our unwavering support. For more information about the play, the foundation or Daniel’s boxing career, see the following websites: www.haitiansensation.com and www.myspace.com/officialhatiansensation .