IT was an impressive opening weekend for Father Richard Ho Lung and the Missionaries of the Poor as their 2013 drama production Candle in the Dark racked up great patronage.

“I would say about 25,000 persons attended our show this past weekend. It was a very good opening once we got over the first show; the other showings got to be very strong,” Ho Lung told the Jamaica Observer.

Ho Lung states that over the years the productions have been attracting record numbers and based on projections, Candle in the Dark could hit the 50,000 patron mark.

Candle in the Dark takes a break to facilitate the FIFA World Cup Tour at the National Arena in St Andrew this weekend, but returns October 10 to 13.

Ho Lung is optimistic that the success of the opening weekend will continue.

“Right now, the upcoming school shows are just about set. But we are looking forward to the other shows and are looking forward to the support of the public for this to be a success,” he said.

Candle in the Dark asks one basic question: What do we as sinners need to do in order to relieve ourselves of the burden of sin?

This question is then answered through song dance, music and the spoken word. However, this year Father Ho Lung turns to the drum to carry the message.

This year’s orchestra is made up of eight drums with movement by renowned choreographer Dr L’Antoinette Stines.