Pardijn’s Winter Festivities Get a Musical Upgrade with Marco Schuitmaker‘s “Engelbewaarder“
Efteling, Netherlands – pardijn’s Meedein Festijn, the Winter Efteling show, has been revamped for the current season with a notable musical addition: a winter-themed rendition of Marco Schuitmaker’s hit song “Engelbewaarder.” The show, featuring Pardijn and a cast including Tenor Dore Mifaso and Soremila de Sneeuwsopraan, aims to address previous criticism of being overly pretentious by incorporating more lighthearted elements.
Last year’s iteration of the show received feedback describing it as “pretentious and highbrow.” This year’s production seeks to balance the operatic style with broader appeal, evidenced by a rewritten chorus for “engelbewaarder” and a playful nod to the popular dance track “Links Rechts” by Snollebollekes. The updated lyrics now read: “Ik weet nu dat er een Meedein Festijn bestaat. Daar gaan we door, van ‘s morgens vroeg tot ‘s avond laat.Ik weet nu ook: Pardijns Meedein Festijn is dikke pret. Ja ik kan het weten, ik lig als laatste in m’n bed.”
The approximately twenty-minute performance playfully introduces the song as an aria performed by “Marcus Amadeus Schuitmacher.” Alongside Pardijn and the returning Mifaso and de Sneeuwsopraan, a hofdame joins the cast. The show is currently running as part of the Winter Efteling entertainment offerings, which also include Carolling Carousel and Anderberger Liederfestival.
