Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529124
10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 8 NOVEMBER 2024 CULTURE LAST preparations are being held for the grand musical production The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a musical by Dis- ney Theatrical being produced for the first time in Malta at the Don Bosco Oratory Thea- tre in Gozo. This musical, based on the 1996 Disney film and Vic- tor Hugo's 1831 novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell-ringer of Notre Dame, and his desire to one day be integrated in the outside world. This musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Ste- phen Schwartz, and book by James Lapine, is being pro- duced on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the newly rennovated Don Bosco Orato- ry Theatre. Following the special license granted from Music Theatre International of London, cur- rently last rehearsals are be- ing organised for this unique musical performance which is coinciding as well with the inauguration of the newly re- stored iconic cathedral of No- tre Dame in Paris. The best local artists will be taking part, together with some special guest artists from Malta. Ludwig Galea will be in- terpreting the main part of Quasimodo, whist the young promising artist Krista Mer- cieca would be portraying the other main role of Esmeralda, together with a cast of about ninety other persons, includ- ing musicians, singers, choris- ters and dancers. The opening night of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" will be this Saturday 9 Novem- ber at 7.30pm, with a repeat performance this Sunday 10 November at 2.30pm (matinee show). There will be two other per- formances, one on Saturday 16 November at 7.30pm, and a last performance on Sunday 17 November at 5.30pm. Tickets for "The Hunch- back of Notre Dame" can be obtained from the Don Bos- co Oratory Theatre of Gozo every day between 5.00pm and 6.00pm, or else by phoning on 21556616 or 99487751. On- line booking is also available through the website theatre. donboscogozo.org or donbos- cogozo.org. Intensive last rehearsals 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' live musical on stage in Gozo ON 17 November 2024, Wirt Għawdex will be hosting an open day at St Cecilia Chapel between 10 am and 5 pm. 17 November happens to be a few days before St Cecilia's feast, the patron saint of music; hence, the day will be packed with activ- ities that touch upon this theme. The general public — from children to adults alike — can visit this medieval chapel, which is the only one in Gozo from this period. Those who visit can join a guided tour, besides buying food and drinks, and also a vast array of books by Merlin Publishers, together with other gifts and surprises. Specific events are planned for the day: 10.30am: Presentation by Au- rora Folk Group 11am: A talk in English by Alex Vella Gregory: Vita Beata: Sa- cred Music and Faith in a Cap- italist World 2pm: The Sir M.A. Refalo 6th Form student orchestra led by Mro Joseph Grech 3pm: A documentary by Fon- dazzjoni Patrimonju Malti: "Mu- sic in Malta - From Prehistory to Vinyl" 4pm: Trevor Żahra — A read- ing and interview by Leanne El- lul in Maltese St Cecilia's chapel is located next to St Cecilia's tower, in Triq Ta' Lambert, Għajnsielem, limits of Xewkija. All activities are free of charge, and those who those who take a cup and plate with them will benefit from a 10% discount on Wirt Għawdex's publications. These initiatives are part of the European Week for Waste Re- duction. Wirt Ghawdex celebrates St Cecilia Day