Laura Bonnici catches up with cast members JOHN MONTANARO and MAXINE AQUILINA about MADC’s upcoming production A Kick in the Baubles.
It is another peaceful Christmas in the Bauble household – or as peaceful as Frank, who most certainly does not wish it could be Christmas every day, can muster. Chestnuts aren’t roasting on an open fire. And while a Silent Night would be welcome, all is neither calm nor bright this Christmas Eve.
Frank’s harassed wife Jean insists on shopping at 5am and monitors his consumption of mince pies, while he dreads the arrival of his snobbish in-laws, who only ever bring a single bottle of wine for the entire festivities. Throw in a couple of larger-than-life neighbours, let the drinks flow merrily, and the stage is set for a rib-tickling Christmas full of chaos.
Although Gordon Steel’s A Kick in the Baubles may be the stuff of seasonal nightmares, this hilarious festive farce has jingled the bells of many an audience worldwide – and is soon to do the same in Malta.
Playing from November 25 at the MADC Playhouse, MADC’s production of A Kick in the Baubles will ring in the festivities with a healthy dose of laughter and a top cast, featuring John Montanaro as Frank and Maxine Aquilina as Jean, directed by new MADC Chairman, Steve Casaletto.
“Frank is a great character to play and scarily close to home,” says Montanaro. “I can really relate to Frank and many in the audience will too.” The character of Jean is equally close to home for Aquilina: “I love how real she is” she says. “From the moment I read the script I was laughing out loud and fell in love with all the different characters. In all its madness, there are moments that are so relatable.”
Joining Montanaro and Aquilina in the cast is a host of supporting characters brought to life by seasoned comedy performers Stephen Oliver, Francesca Briffa, Brendon Thearle, Maria Degaetano, Bianca Casaletto, Ella Coppini and Craig Abela.
“Everyone is such fun to work with and it has been a real blast,” smiles Aquilina. “Rehearsals fly by and we laugh so much – and not only because the play is so funny! We all have great chemistry and I’ve enjoyed the freedom Steve has given us in the room.”
As Frank, Montanaro has also loved the rehearsal process for A Kick in the Baubles: “It's fantastic to work with such a talented team of actors and slowly bring Frank to life,” he says. “Seeing everyone coming together creatively has been magical.”
While both top performers have had great fun creating their characters, the play’s unique venue is also close to each of their hearts. “With all of its charm, MADC is a special place to work,” continues Aquilina. “Everything from the building itself, the people who run it, to all of the memories it holds, makes it the perfect, intimate space for the play.” Montanaro nods. “It is home,” he says. “This is where it all started for me and where I have many happy memories, so its special to rehearse and perform here.”
As the play’s opening night draws nearer, the weather cools and the first festive lights switch on, MADC’s ‘Frank’ shares why now is the ideal moment to set the mood with a Christmas comedy. “A Kick in the Baubles is wholesome, familiar and very, very funny – just the ticket to put a smile your face, ready to put up the decorations at home,” says Montanaro. “If you are looking for a fun evening out and a good laugh with friends, then make sure to book your tickets early.”
MADC’s A Kick in the Baubles will play at the MADC Playhouse in Santa Venera on November 25, 26, 27, and December 2, 3, 4, with an extra performance on December 1. This production is supported by Arts Council Malta and is suitable for audiences aged 14 or over. For more information and to book tickets, visit madc.com.mt.