MADC opens season with The Glass Menagerie

MADC opens its 2002-2003 season at the Manoel Theatre with The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams on October 4.

This "memory play" about himself, his overbearing mother and his socially challenged sister has become a classic of American theatre.

MADC has assembled a formidable cast under the direction of veteran actor/director Harry Borg. Mikhail Basmadjian plays the young Tom, Marylu Coppini plays his mother Amanda, Louiselle Vassallo is the frail Laura while Stefan Cachia Zammit plays the nice, ordinary young Gentleman Caller, Jim O'Connor.

Boxing Day sees the opening of the Christmas perennial, the MADC Pantomime, which runs until January 6. Re-united in flamboyant costumes are the hilarious duo Alan Montanaro and Edward Mercieca, once again under the stage direction of Steve Casaletto and musical direction of Mro Paul Abela.

Very much in keeping with current world events, Alan Montanaro has penned a Malta-orientated version of Ali Baba.

Edward plays the villain and Alan becomes a very Maltese Dame following up his successful characterisation of Zeza tal-Flagship.

MADC's grand finale at the Manoel Theatre at the end of March is Kiss Me Kate, a Broadway musical packed with super songs where Cole Porter beautifully converts Shakespeare into song and dance.

The production of "The Taming of the Shrew" is interspersed with the behind-the-scenes antics. The accent is on comedy in this toe-tapping, knee-slapping vicious sex-war battle fought on stage and off.

Fredrick Testa, who has directed five pantos and four musicals, teams up with Mro Paul Abela for the revival of this musical that ran for over 1,000 performances on Broadway, winning the coveted Tony Award for Best Musical. Revivals in London were seen in the 1970s the 1980s and this year.

Besides the representations at the Manoel Theatre, MADC will have a Clubhouse production in February.

The One Act Festival has been the launching pad for many of Malta's leading actors and directors. This annual event is held at the Clubrooms around April.

Shakespeare at San Anton Gardens is also synonymous with MADC and the tradition will continue in July 2003 under the direction of Collin Willis. The choice of play is still to be announced.