By Jefferson Jay
Before I was asked to write and direct The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit (then titled The Hunt for the Great Christmas Tree) I was having a great time as a music therapist at a day center for adults with developmental disabilities in El Cajon, CA. I loved it and found it impossible to be in a bad mood once I walked through those doors and connected with the clientele.
My position as a music therapist enabled me to work with all the different people who went there. There was a wide range of folks, including those with severe conditions. I enjoyed working with everybody, but some folks in each group really shone. These standouts shared electrifying personalities and profound gratitude.
Mirroring Gratitude
My musical choices would get people fired up: some singing and dancing. Their enthusiasm was contagious. I, too, would get super jazzed from the interactions. One of my favorite singing-partners there was Christina Cali. Her energy, comedy, and charm delighted me and I cherished every chance I got to connect with her.
Christina Cali dressed as the Magic Snowwoman backstage.
Christina was born to perform. A large number of serious, potentially life-threatening conditions made some things difficult for Christina, but she remained irrepressible. She lit up like The Great Christmas Tree in the spotlight and I adored our interactions and collaboration.
The Keys to the Kingdom
When the opportunity to write and direct the holiday musical arose, Christina was cast as the original Magic Snowwoman. She was great: so much personality and talent. Because Christina is blind, I needed to manifest a Braille script for her so she could rehearse and memorize her part.
Christina Cali (seated in a snowy wheelchair on the right) performs as The Magic Snowwoman on stage alongside the cast of <i>The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit’s</i> Pearl kids (left) and her mobility assistant (far right).
San Diego is a big and vibrant city, but there was only one place to get a Braille script printed at that time: Tom Treher, also blind, did it himself in his downtown apartment. I hope to feature Tom in an upcoming blog.
Many Years Later
I miss Christina’s company and magnetism. I hope to have the chance to work with her again. There are lots of overlooked folks with tremendous talent. It may require a bit more effort to provide them with the opportunity and tools (like a Braille script) to succeed, but it is most definitely worth it.
Like so many things in life, you get out what you put in. Christina helped teach me that. A great attitude can carry us through even the darkest days. If you appreciate and cherish the moments we share, you’ll never walk (or wheel) alone. Great gratitude and blessings make every day special.
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