The Malta Independent on Sunday
Laughing all the way to the… theatre
Catches up with theatre stalwart who is directing a zany, fast-moving comedy of confusion - ‘Laugh, I Nealy Went to Miami’ - later this month.
Photos: DanielM Photography ring to the awkward, hurried shows put up so enthusiastically at primary school but at the first time we look our mother in the eye and say ‘no, we didn't raid the biscuit tin’ - that, there, is our very first performance,” she laughs.
Lucienne’s entry into the acting scene can be compared to a rapid slide into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland. She spent her late teens and early twenties ensconced in draughty corridors and dusty back rooms, learning lines and perfecting dance routines. Through her late twenties and thirties she discovered the joy of directing and choreographing. These included operettas at the Manoel Theatre and numerous musicals put up in the grounds of De La Salle College.
Along the way, she set up DLS (De La Salle) Productions…
“Setting up this voluntary organisation gave me the opportunity to join a group of enthusiastic creatives whose main aim is to explore a platform where we can make the performing stage accessible to all,” she says, “We welcome all, tutor all and build an environment that can only be considered as family. It's a glorious career if one can regard it as such. I feel it is a passionate journey of self-discovery.”
‘Laugh, I Nearly Went to Miami’ is DLS Production’s project this year. Lucienne says that writer Miles Tredinnick has been a favourite of her for some years now.
“I admire the mix of slapstick comedy with good old British humour and I thought why not? Why not put up a play and why not one that will appeal to most ages? So here we are - indulging in literary humour,” she smiles.
Lucienne jokes that she bullied Maria Agius into helping out with the direction, and Yandrick Agius along with Hannah Grech Pirotta into taking care of the producing. The set building and design was entrusted into the able hands of Joe Caruana Dingli and Andrew Inguane, while Costumes were sorted by Hannah Grech Pirotta and Julia Cini.
As for the cast, James Camilleri plays the part of Tom, an Elvis fanatic who is on his way to a convention in Miami with his soon to be wife Alice played by Nicole Piscopo. Neil Grech is the rather dissolute character, Barney, who is a master in the art of lying and spends his time trying to impress a rather amoral Muriel - a role tackled by Nicola Mangion.
Laura Cornelius gives life to batty Auntie who should be the one setting an example but who inadvertently does the complete opposite. Other plum characters feature Thomas Grixti and Kyle Mangani as Frankie, a mobster and Hendy, an investigative police officer, respectively. There's a combination of misunderstandings, confusion, slight aggression and, of course, fog.
“I believe every staged performance is different and unique,” Lucienne muses, “I'm rather unoriginal in that sentiment I'm afraid. This particular production could be viewed as a wonderful opportunity to introduce non-theatre-goers to the theatre. It's light, perfect for a relaxed evening of entertainment and an occasion to watch young undiscovered talent bring a well-construed plot to life. The dialogue is witty and the action well-paced. You'd almost want to hop onto stage yourself... but please don't - there's enough disruption as it is!”
So, if you're wondering what to do with yourselves on the 20 or 21st of October why not book yourself a seat at Teatru Salesjan in Sliema for an evening destined to bring you to tears - in a good way.
“Switch off that obnoxious TV set, pick up your keys and leave your mobile snug and warm at home,” Lucienne advises, “Head out for an evening of unadulterated fun. Bring your friends and acquaintances and luxuriate in an atmosphere saturated with delightful entertainment and if you're an Elvis fan - honey it's truly your night!”
“Laugh? I Nearly Went To Miami!” will be performed on the 20th and 21st of October at Teatru Salesjani in Sliema. Tickets may be purchased on www.ticketline.com.mt or by calling 79848788.