Paying homage to the magic of musicals and the laughs they so often bring, Jo Caruana heads to the theatre for a slice of a new revue show Comedy Tonight.

It’s hard to imagine a time when theatre’s musical genre was more popular among the masses. Every year, new shows burst onto the international scene – with recent hits including Wicked, Legally Blonde and The Book of Mormon. Meanwhile, TV shows, such as the award-winning, all-singing, all-dancing Glee, have given musical numbers a substantial nudge into the world of pop culture.

We have highlighted some of the most side-splitting numbers from across a range of musicals

Celebrating that, the Masquerade Theatre Company has chosen to present Comedy Tonight – a night of variety at the Manoel Theatre. The show promises to be a fun-filled evening, packed full of some of the funniest songs from musicals, as well as a few comedy sketches.

“This new musical extravaganza puts the focus firmly on songs from popular West End and Broadway comedy musicals, with many a laugh to be enjoyed,” explains producer and artistic director Anthony Bezzina.

“We know that our audiences have a partiality for productions that bring on the laughs and this will certainly give them that opportunity. To this end, we have highlighted some of the most side-splitting numbers from across a range of musicals and will be presenting them on the night. People may not actually realise quite how funny musicals are, but we will be proving that throughout the evening.”

The show will include well-known songs from popular musicals such as Kiss Me Kate, Jesus Christ Superstar and Spamalot, as well as other hilarious numbers that may be lesser known, but which will still have the audience in stitches. Much like a revue, it will lead from one into the other, with comic sketches in between.

The songs themselves will include popular musical hits such as Master of the House from Les Miserables, as well as oldies such as Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun, and more modern choices such as It Sucks To Be Me from Avenue Q.

The show is actually a follow-up to last year’s concert Simply Webber, which was also presented in a revue style by Masquerade. “We enjoyed such good feedback that we have developed the concept even further, and have, once again, enlisted the talents of some of Malta’s top singing performers.”

The main cast consists of established singers Rachel Fabri, Roger Tirazona and Dorothy Bezzina, as well as up-and-comer Joseph Zammit. Musical direction will be in the hands of Fabri and Tirazona, while actor Malcolm Galea will be hosting the show and keeping audiences amused in his trademark way.

Additionally, some of the songs will be presented by popular local guest performers. They include Ludwig Galea and Katherine Brown – who recently played the Evil Queen in Masquerade’s pantomime The Curse of Snow White, and Nadia Vella.

“These top performers will be bringing both their musical and comic skills to the show, and will be backed by a dynamic, 20-strong choir,” Bezzina adds.

Detailing her thoughts on the show, Fabri, who forms part of British classical crossover group All Angels, says she’s sure it will be popular with audiences.

“There is a great mix of songs in the show, so there is something for everyone. Personally speaking, I am very enthusiastic to be part of it and am looking forward to performing some of my favourite comedy numbers; musical theatre is my passion and is also what I studied during my years abroad.

“It is also a wonderful opportunity to be coaching the choir, which I am sure will add a very vibrant element to Comedy Tonight. So, if you enjoy musical theatre and a good laugh, this is certainly the show to see this season – and one that will send you out into the night with a spring in your step!”

Comedy Tonight will be performed at the Manoel Theatre on Friday and Saturday and on April 20 and 21. Tickets are available by calling on 2124 6389 or online.

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt

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