Marika Fenech as Mrs Baker in Butterflies Are Free.Marika Fenech as Mrs Baker in Butterflies Are Free.

Following on from recent successes, including Pinocchio – The Panto and the musical Fiddler on the Roof, FM Theatre Productions is staging Butterflies are Free, an award-winning play by Leonard Gershe, at St James Cavalier.

The comedy is loosely based on the life of American lawyer Harold Krent. It tells the story of his struggle as a blind man in a relationship with a free-spirited hippie, as well as his desire to stem his controlling mother’s disapproval of the choices he is making.

The cast includes well-known actress Marika Fenech as the mother, and her real-life son Luke Mercieca, who plays the blind protagonist and aspiring singer-songwriter Don Baker. Making up the rest of the cast, Maxine Aquilina plays Don’s actress girlfriend Jill Tanner, while Jimmy Monaghan is taking on the cameo role of onstage director Ralph Austin. The production is being directed by Stephen Oliver.

Interestingly, Butterflies Are Free was first produced locally in the 1970s, and Fenech originally played the role of Jill. “This is a beautiful play that explores love, laughter and fears,” says Fenech, who is also producing the play along with her husband Edward Mercieca.

“It is very well known because it was also developed into a film of the same name, which won Eileen Heckart an Oscar for portraying the role of the mother. It is a challenging and exciting piece, which, although set in 1969, is still just as relevant today.”

Fenech believes the play is a “brilliant mix of comedy and poignancy” and she has very fond memories of playing Jill. “I now look forward to going ‘full circle’ to play Mrs Baker, especially as I am playing opposite my son Luke and his real-life girlfriend Maxine – which has given the process a very interesting twist,” Fenech adds with a smile.

• Butterflies Are Free is being staged at St James Cavalier on May 22, 24, 28-31 and June 4-7 at 8pm. Tickets may be obtained by e-mail: info@sjcav.org, online from www.sjcav.org or by calling 2122 3200.

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