FLOWER-POWERED MUSICAL TO TAKE TEATRU MANOEL AUDIENCES ON NOSTALGIA TRIP

THIS SUMMER AT TEATRU MANOEL, NEW BILINGUAL JUKEBOX MUSICAL ELLIE, IL-MUSICAL WILL FLY AUDIENCES BACK TO THE TIME OF FLOWER POWER – WITH THE HELP OF HIT SONGS FROM THE 1960 s AND 70 s. .

Ready to return to the swinging 60s? The 1960s and 70s brought with them much change, from hippies and flower power to a social revolution complete with groovy fashion – and an entire catalogue of music that remains just as popular today as it was back then.

With this iconic era as a backdrop and featuring classic songs of the day, Ellie, il-Musical is a brand-new jukebox musical performed in both Maltese and English, which tells the heart-warming story of four singers in Malta in the late 1960s.

The four friends compete against each other in an annual music event at the Yellow Music Club to find the best rendition of covers of songs from The Beatles' catalogue. The Club’s owners suggest they form a group of their own – yet two of the friends, Kate and Ellie, might not stay in Malta much longer, if their auditions to continue their musical studies abroad are successful. The Club’s co-owner contacts an old flame in Liverpool to ask for her help with the project, much to his wife’s annoyance, while Ellie’s parents can’t seem to agree on anything. Can everyone finally accept that all they need is love?

“Ellie, il-Musical is the kind of show that inspires joy in the audience,” says Simon Bartolo, who penned the original musical in 2019 based on an idea by producer Antoine Farrugia. “I love it when people can sing along with the songs. Even though it’s a new show, it still feels familiar and nostalgic. This is a feel-good musical that audiences of all ages will enjoy, having fun with lively characters and a wonderful array of much-loved classic songs.

These are the type of songs that never die –and deservedly so. They have stood the test of time for a reason, and, for this musical, some of today’s great Maltese singers will interpret them.”

Directed by Josette Ciappara, choreographed by Warren Bonello and with musical direction by Elton Zarb, the show’s stellar cast features Alex Portelli as Ellie, alongside other top local musical performers including Jeremy Grech, Clare Agius, Patrick Vella, Mariah Mangion and Eliza Aquilina, leading an extraordinary ensemble.

“Ellie, il-Musical will be a joyful experience that audiences will carry with them for some time,” agrees Josette Ciappara. “It is light-hearted and full of funny and relatable moments, with well-rounded characters and a great story. Besides, I love the era! The 60s left a great mark on the musical and cultural scene, both in Malta and abroad. These were exciting times to live, and it is a pleasure to allow the audience to have a taste of what is now history.”

For the premiere of Ellie, il-Musical on Friday 30 June, the audience can even help set the scene inside Malta’s national theatre by wearing groovy outfits inspired by the 1960s and 70s – and witness the beginnings of an unmissable, flower-powered, distinctly Maltese musical experience.

Performances of Ellie, il-Musical will take place at Teatru Manoel at 8pm on Friday 30 June and on 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 July 2023. This production is suitable for audiences aged six and above. Tickets and more information are available via www.teatrumanoel.mt or by email to bookings@teatrumanoel.mt and telephone on (+356) 2124 6389.