Kanye West Debuts Second Christian Opera "Mary"

Hip hop artist Kanye West debutted his second brand new Christian opera Mary last Sunday at the outdoor Miami Marine Stadium. This is West's second Christian opera following last month's Nebuchadnezzar. West's performance, starring his "Sunday Service Collective," was directed by Vanessa Beecroft.  

Performers acted out 12 biblical scenes during the show and the audience was given programs to help them follow along. The programs included sketches, titles and some lyrics from the acts which progressed from Gabriel visiting Mary to Mary's pregnancy to the birth of Jesus and the prophecy. Mary was composed of religious and holiday favorites, a lone FKA Twigs song, and famous Kanye hits. Clearly feeling the festive spirit, Kanye also performed Christmas songs "O Holy Night," "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," and "Drummer Boy" alongside his choir.  

Aside from music, it is reported the cast "reenacted excerpts from the books of Matthew and Luke" while "Kanye read gospel passages aloud. "Kanye narrated the whole thing, then came out in full face paint and the silver robe," Sam Baum, owner of the new disco club Minnie's in Wynwood, Florida,-- tells PEOPLE.

When West debuted his Nebuchadnezza opera in Los Angeles last month, some weren't impressed. But this time around, the presentation received very positive responses. "It was entertaining and moving, an incredible collection of interesting people," Baum says. "[It was] a beautiful, natural environment juxtaposed with hyper-modern silver costumes and well acted and beautifully composed music. People were really patient and into the performance." 

Kanye West is an artist, producer, designer and icon. Named twice by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, he has sold over 35 million albums and over 85 million digital tracks worldwide. Over the course of his legendary career, he has released seven consecutive #1 albums and seven #1 singles, along with scores of radio hits and millions of concert tickets sold worldwide. West has garnered 57 Grammy nominations and has won 21 Grammys, along with numerous other awards and accolades. He is among the most acclaimed artists of his generation. 

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