Chip's part is up for grabs

Three Maltese boys will be given the chance to display their cheeky smiles and acting skills in the part of Chip, the playful teacup, during Disney's production of Beauty and the Beast.

The young actors will be chosen from three local acting schools so long as they can sing and fill in the casting brief: "We are looking for big, lively, cheeky personalities! Cute and smiley!"

Oh, yes, and the boys should not be taller than 52 inches, otherwise they will have problems fitting into the crockery-shaped costume.

The acting schools - Stage Coach, Helen O' Grady and Drama Troupe - are each in the process of choosing a student actor to fit the brief.

Once the three boys have been cast, they will start rehearsals and each one will then perform on different days. To play the character of Chip they will have to jump into an elaborate costume of the adorable chipped teacup that only shows their smiling faces.

The multi-award winning Disney musical, Beauty and the Beast will be in Malta as the show enters the fifth year of its international tour.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these young students to gain experience working and performing with an international production company," Ramon Micallef said, adding that about 25 million people have seen the musical.

Mr Micallef, the business development director of local organiser Micra Events and Services, said the musical had been nominated for nine Tony Awards and was performed worldwide.

The all-time Disney favourite features the fable's traditional characters of the beautiful Belle and the fearsome, yet kind hearted, Beast. Then there are the Disney-created characters such as Mrs Potts and Chip, the hilarious double act Lumiere and Cogsworth, and the town hero Gaston.

The show features accomplished performers singing loved songs including Be Our Guest, Human Again and Beauty and the Beast.

The show opens by a gala premiere on April 11 at 9 p.m. followed by a lavish reception at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. More shows will follow on April 12 and 13, with two performances being staged each day, at 4 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

To book or buy tickets, which cost between €25 and €75, contact the ticket hotline 9999 9112, e-mail info@micra.com.mt or visit www.micra.com.mt.