Meaningful Gifts Inspired by Evangeline the Musical: A Symbol of Faith, Hope, Love and Devotion

Ana Maria Andricain in Evangeline the Musical in Concert on PBS - 1999

There are moments in life so deeply rooted in our hearts they become a part of who we are. For me, one of those moments happened 25 years ago when I first stepped into the role of Evangeline in the PBS production of Evangeline: The Musical. It was a story of love, loss, and unwavering hope—a story that has stayed with me ever since. And now, a quarter of a century later, I was honored to return to this beloved role for the 25th anniversary concert right here in Baton Rouge at the Manship Theatre to a sold-out run.

When I founded Jewel of Havana, my mission was to create meaningful gifts for people to celebrate life and their connection to each other. As I prepared to revisit Evangeline’s journey, I felt a strong desire to create something that would capture the essence of this story—not just for myself, but for those who poured their hearts into bringing this musical to life. I wanted to craft something meaningful that would forever remind us of the magic we experienced together and carry the symbols of the show for all of us.

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Evangeline's Live Oak Necklace

The Inspiration Behind the Gifts

The story of Evangeline, as penned by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and adapted for stage by Paul Taranto, Jamie Wax and  Paige Gagliano is one of enduring love and the strength of the human spirit.

Evangeline is a young Acadian woman who becomes separated from her beloved Gabriel during the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia. Despite the heartbreak and the years that pass, Evangeline never gives up hope. She spends her life searching for Gabriel, driven by the belief that true love is worth waiting for, no matter how long it takes.

This theme of patience and enduring love is beautifully symbolized by the live oak tree in the story—a place where Evangeline waits, hoping to be reunited with her love. The live oak, with its strong, sprawling branches, represents resilience and the deep roots of love that can weather any storm.

When I thought about creating opening night gifts for the creative team of the musical,  the ones who started it all and were with me 25 years ago, I knew I wanted to incorporate this powerful symbol.

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Hugo, Ana and Juan Andricain in Evangeline the Musical 25th Anniversary Concert

Partnering with Stugo’s Workshop

I happen to have a creative brother who shares my passion for meaningful gifts. He started his own company, Stugo’s Workshop not too long ago using his artistry with woodworking, graphic design and laser engraving to create unique custom gifts.

We’ve partnered on projects before and since both my brothers were in the concert, it made sense to work together on a gift from all of us. It would be the first time we all shared the stage since we were kids. We wanted to share our gratitude with those who created the opportunity.

I designed a sterling silver necklace featuring the image of the live oak, with Evangeline seated beneath it, waiting with hope in her heart. Inspired by the logo of the show but removing the show graphics so it could be more representational than literal. Hugo took my designs and created stamps I could use using his laser.

Each piece was carefully handcrafted, infused with the spirit of Evangeline’s unwavering devotion.

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Evangeline's Live Oak Necklace in Custom Jewelry Box

Custom Jewelry Box by Hugo Andricain - Stugo's Workshop

A Personal Touch

I wanted these gifts to be more than just a symbol; I wanted them to be personal, to carry a message that resonated with each recipient. On the back of each necklace, we engraved a phrase that held special meaning—lines from the show or song titles that reminded us why this story continues to resonate with audiences after all these years.

For the composer and book writer I knew I wanted to gift a conducting baton and writing pen respectively, but we used Hugo’s laser to engrave meaningful messages on the items.

Here’s where it’s fun to partner with another creative artist. Hugo took my ideas and 10x them! He built beautiful boxes to hold the jewelry with the live oak logo, meaningful phrases for each recipient & my hand written messages lasered on the inside of the lid.

Then he built the most beautiful box to hold the conductor’s baton FILLED with touching remembrances. I sleuthed out each creative team member's favorite passages from the show. Hugo engraved them on the box. 

The icing on the cake… the wood he made the box from was salvaged from a pipe organ installed in the early 50s and played for decades in a place of worship.

We couldn’t wait to give it to Paul knowing how much he would appreciate everything that went into it.

We hoped the gifts would be a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact their words have on everyone who experiences this tale.

Custom Conductor's Baton and Box for Opening Night of Evangeline the Musical - 25th Anniversary Concert

A Celebration of Love and Hope

Creating these pieces was more than just a creative project for me; it was a way to honor the legacy of Evangeline and the incredible journey we all took together in bringing her story back to the stage. It was a celebration of love that transcends time, of hope that never fades, and of the connections we forge through art and storytelling.

As we placed each gift in the hands of those who worked so tirelessly to make this concert a reality, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to play a role in such a meaningful production, gratitude for the friendships and memories made, and gratitude for the reminder that love, like Evangeline’s, is something worth waiting for.

Evangeline Live Oak Necklace - Available Single and Double Sided

The Live Oak Necklace - Evangeline's Tree

The live oak tree is a powerful symbol of strength, endurance, and resilience. With its deep roots and sprawling branches, it stands as a testament to the ability to weather life's storms and remain steadfast through time.

Often associated with wisdom and longevity, the live oak can also symbolize protection and shelter, offering a sense of comfort and stability. Its evergreen nature signifies eternal life and unyielding hope, making it a fitting symbol for enduring love, unwavering faith, and the ability to stand firm, no matter the challenges faced.

The live oak’s graceful yet strong presence reminds us that, like its branches, love and hope can continue to grow and thrive even in the most trying circumstances.

I created these as custom opening night gifts but so many have reached out about them that I thought I would open them up for special orders.

Like the enduring live oak under which Evangeline waited, this jewelry embodies a powerful symbol of love and resilience—wear it close as a reminder of the strength and power of love, hope, devotion and unwavering faith.

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Shop Evangeline's Live Oak Necklace

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