A musical called Ir-Rebbieh, about the life and times of St Philip, directed by John Suda will be staged at the Catholic Institute, Floriana, on 2, 3 and 4 November, with a story line that follows the mission of a humble boy from Asia Minor who leaves home and travels to Europe, becomes a priest and spends his life evangelising at a time and place where people were still under the spell of magicians and fortune tellers, when people in authority made use of rampant ignorance and superstitions to control the minds of the people and to advance their interests.

This is the basis of this musical whose main ingredients of song, dance, acting, music, scenes and costumes have all been crafted by people who are well-known for their professionalism in their fields.

Brian Bonnici started writing the lyrics as far back as 2002 and soon after Chan Vella was taken on board to compose original music. During the last year preparatory work has been hectic: musical arrangements and recordings by Mro Joe Brown, choreography by Keith and Adonelle Grima, preparations of scenes by Pierre Bonello.

Bronk Productions Theatrical Company has selected some of the best Maltese singer-actors available like Mark Tonna, Triccas, MaryRose Mallia, Dominic Cini, Julie Pomorski to interpret the main parts.

Tickets can be bought from: Bronk Productions, Valletta (2122-3347, 9940-6258), The Catholic Institute, Floriana (2123-8429, 2124-2551), Ta Gilardu Kiosk, Valletta, and St Philip Band Club, Zebbug (2146-0074).