Love musical theatre? Then you are in for a treat! Studio 18 is celebrating the Golden Age of musical theatre with an evening featuring some of the best-loved numbers from the mid-20th century.

This show, entitled Gotta Sing Gotta Dance, will be launching the theatre season in Malta for 2017/18 along with the launch of Studio 18's Artistic Residency. 

This production, which will be held in collaboration with Teatru Salesjan, will be hosted by Pia Zammit and feature local artistes Matthew James Borg (from REK), Nadia Vella, Andi and Rachel Fabri (who is also the vocal coach) among others.

The artistes will be accompanied by the TS Orchestra banging out a number of spruced up arrangements by Francesco Grech. Choreography is by West End's Jonathan Tweedie, while musical direction is by Dr Joe Gatt.

According to Fabri, who has had a plethora of experience in musical theatre both here and overseas, this show appeals to all ages and, since there will be songs from various musicals, there is sure to be something to tickle everyone's fancy.

"The idea initially began as a small show we could put on within a few days - between rehearsals for other shows," she explains, "it soon, however, became our primary focus and we opted for a full-blown musical revue. The main thrill about this revue is that we have managed to put on what we feel is going to be a great show in just a few weeks."

Fabri says that the most satisfying part of the rehearsal process has been the team work and dedication everyone has put into this show.

"There is a true sense of camaraderie as well as professionalism," she says with a smile, "Whether you wish to drown out your post-holiday blues or your back-to-school blues, these musical theatre classics are sure to get you singing along and dancing in your seats."

Studio 18 founder Jean-Marc Cafà says that one of Studio 18's most recent ventures was that of trying to create activities for young people at the weekend. To this end, they have had a produced a number of musical theatre gigs and will also be looking into film nights eventually. 

"Our new partnership with Teatru Salesjan has helped this cause incredibly, and it is becoming easier to reach our targets and tap into new pools of young people," he says, "We'll be trying out this new recipe, one which sees the young people on the musical theatre programme trying their hand at a London-style showcase - a company of 14 young performers accompanied by some of Malta's finest talent. This will hopefully attract young audiences to try something different at the weekend."

Performances of Gotta Sing Gotta Dance will take place on 9 and 10 September at 10pm and will feature showtunes from some of the world's best-loved musicals including The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Guys and Dolls and Sweet Charity.

 

Tickets are available from www.ticketline.com.mt