Greek heroes, magic and an outrageous dame for MADC panto

The MADC clubrooms in Sta Venera are in full rehearsal mode.

Some members of the cast are trying to retune their vocal chords to reach the high notes while a group of young, energetic chorus members dance to a song by Christina Aguilera.

It's panto time and this year MADC is promising more fun, magic and mayhem than ever before with their presentation of Hercules - The Panto.

This year, the MADC has dipped into the rich well of Greek mythology to come up with an evening of pure entertainment for all the family.

Baby Hercules is kidnapped by Medusa and Phobia, minions of Hades, lord of the underworld and turned into a half god and half mortal after drinking a forbidden potion brewed by the Fates.

Adopted by the outrageous Dame Bazwita, Hercules retains his remarkable strength, but is trapped in the body of a human. Having to prove himself a true hero, Hercules and his entourage embark on a journey that will guarantee yuletide mayhem and lots of fun.

Hercules - the Panto reunites panto veterans Alan Montanaro as the hilarious dame and Edward Mercieca as the baddie Hades.

The rest of the cast includes Jo Caruana, Edward Degaetano, Ralph Mangion, Jane Pillow, Adrian Gatt, Simon De Marco, Marika Mizzi and Jean Pierre Agius, as well as an all-singing, all-dancing chorus. Written by Mr Montanaro, direction is in the hands of Frederick Testa.

"There's enough magic and action to keep the children mesmerised, and enough satire to keep the adults wanting more," Mr Montanaro says.

"The MADC panto is the only event where grandparents, parents, teenagers and young children happily go out as a family unit. The MADC panto is now part of the Maltese Christmas tradition. Missing it would be missing out."

Mr Degaetano, who is flexing his muscles for the title part of Hercules, believes this year's pantomime has the right ingredients to generate talk long after the patrons leave the theatre.

Musical director Paul Abela, together with his live orchestra, is bound to have people tapping their feet in time to the music, while choreographer Kristina Schranz will be leading the chorus in a number of energetic dance numbers.

Stage manager Lino Mallia will be supervising all backstage departments, while the spectacular costumes will be designed by Ernest Camilleri. The lavish sets are the work of Harry Borg.

Hercules - the Panto will burst onto the Manoel Theatre stage on December 26 for a marathon 22-show run. Despite being on sale for a few days, tickets are fast selling out. For bookings call the Manoel Theatre on 2124 6389, e-mail bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or via the website at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.