The lyrics have poetic descriptions but with little humour and lightness and too often the rhyme controls the meaning.  In “Selma”, “No longer a stranger in this land, Just one more touch of her hand”, the hackneyed “Then those beautiful eyes embedded like jewels” and the nonsensical “She wears a cloak of sorrow like blossom in the mist of dawn”.  I feel the lyrics might have lost something in translation from Gibran’s original.  Of course, many first loves are not tested by time but remain in their purity.  Remember it starts when you sink into his arms but ends with your arms in his sink!

The singing performances are strong as is the acting.  I loved Stephen Rahman-Hughes’ rich singing voice as Farris and the duets between young Khalil and Selma. The choreography is limited although I like the scenic handkerchief dance at the Galib/Karamy wedding but there is good movement in the crowd scenes in Beirut.  Soophia Foroughi excels as Khalil’s enterprising mother in “Spirit of the Earth” where the whole company is led by her.

I really liked the music which is strong and with pretty melodies although the lack of lyrical wit and originality makes the 150 minute running time slow but the orchestra under Erika Gundesen’s direction is magnificent.  It is the book and lyrics which are lacking.