FOR the past 43 years, the work of Roman Catholic Father Richard Ho Lung has gone a far way to feed, clothe and take care of thousands of sick, abandoned and homeless.

Aside from a subvention from Government, the lion share of the money needed to care for these persons comes from fund-raising efforts, primarily the yearly musical produced by Ho Lung and his Missionaries of the Poor.

According to Ho Lung, it costs US$1,000 per year to look after each of the more than 650 wards in his care.

“Music is our mainstay. This year’s production is King David, which traces the Biblical story of the boy who would become king, with a few artistic changes. Shaggy visited us recently and along with Sly and Robbie and Tarrus Riley are working on the music which will be used to promote King David. The musical will run for two weekends… May 9 and 10 and the following weekend May 16 and 17,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Ho Lung has assembled his usual team which has been responsible for some of his memorable productions over the years. The team includes Jon Williams who is responsible for the music; director Greg Thame, Robin Baston as the technical director, choreography by Paula Shaw and set design by PJ Stewart.

The 76-year-old Ho Lung, who also disclosed that he will be making his customary cameo appearance in this year’s production, said the music of King David is a special treat this year.

“The music in King David is really very different — a blend of sounds with beautiful melodies and powerful lines. The story is very universal, and at the heart of it is the need to understand forgiveness in order to grow.”

The acting side of the production will see the likes of regulars Wynton Williams and Michael Sean Harris carrying the lead roles in the story. Dancers from local dance company L’Acadco round out the cast.

Last year, Ho Lung and his team did not stage a production, but instead took Acts of the Apostles — their 2013 production — on the road to Trinidad.