An American in Paris… in Malta – TOP INTERNATIONAL STARS TO PERFORM AT THE MCC
The Mediterranean Conference Centre Board of Directors is proud to present COMPAGNIA NAZIONALE RAFFAELE PAGANINI, a renowned Italian dance company, headed by the Italian Maestro, choreographer and artist Raffaele Paganini. The international performance will be staged at the prestigious Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta on the 4th and 5th of May.
The MCC Board of Directors has long been successful in its history of theatrical excellence with a vast track record of bringing over high calibre artists, dancers, singers and companies to embellish the Republic Hall stage. After an ebb in the hosting of international dance companies at the MCC, the time has come again to raise the bar. Dr Peter Fenech, Chairman of the MCC Board of Directors, Mr Ray Attard, CEO of both the Manoel Theatre and the MCC, together with the newly-appointed and energetic committee, supported by the personnel of the MCC have entrusted this venture to Felix Busuttil, lover and passionate citizen of the theatre and the Arts. Felix has recently also been appointed Member on the MCC Board of Directors.
“I immediately dived into this fantastic opportunity that we have been given… not only bringing over a theatrical representation that is both entertaining and spectacular but also of making sure that us Maltese form part of this venture,” shares Felix. “The prestigious Italian company agreed to include and choose four Maltese dancers to perform in this wonderful show.” Luigi Martelleta, Maestro di Balletto and choreographer, and Raffaele Paganini will be in Malta on the 3rd of April to conduct auditions to get on board six talented and lucky dancers. The Maltese dancers will be chosen among all dancers from all schools on the island and will then have the privilege to train with leading international stars as part of the preparations for the performances in Malta.
And now to the great name of the show. It is music loved by all and a movie show re-make of a Hollywood Gene Kelly blockbuster that is both endearing and robust in theatrics, drama and colour. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS music is by the renowned GEORGE GERSHWIN – The show tells the story of three friends who struggle to find work in the vibrant and romantic city of Paris. A young American World War II veteran, Jerry Mulligan, is now a high-spirited expatriate living in Paris trying to build a reputation as an artist. His friend, Adam, is a struggling concert pianist who is a long-time associate of a French singer, Henri.
A lonely socialite, Milo Roberts, falls for Jerry and takes him under her wing. However Jerry is in love with a French girl Lise whom he meets at a restaurant. Lise becomes infatuated with Jerry but she is already in a relationship with Henri, to whom she is indebted for keeping her safe during the war.
Romantic complications, sexual innuendoes, fatal infatuations, humour, charm and above all…. true love.
In this first-in-Malta full Gershwin dance extravaganza one will encounter the unique atmosphere of Paris during the ‘40s and the wonderful characters that keep era after era embracing this romantic city of lights and love.
Paganini is a true Italian dance gem and has partnered with big names such as La Scala Diamond Carla Fracci, Raffaela Renzi, RAI’s Alessandra Ferri and Canale 5’s Lorella Cuccharini, New York Ballerina and Ice Skater Katherine Healy, and the world renowned Russian Etoile Maya Plisseskaya. He has been invited as guest artist with many international companies including The London Festival Ballet ( 1984 – 1985 ),The Zurich Opera Ballet ( 1986 ), Ballet Concerto de Puerto Rico ( 1985 – 1986 ) and La Scala di Milano ( 1987 ). Since then his repertoire grew to higher acclaims and was awarded the Bordighera Prize, The Prize Positano, The Banner of Gold, The Olive, The Silver Award Giovannini, The Cecchetti Award and The Gio Tani Award. He is considered by the Italian theatre network as an artistic gem at par with Carla Fracci and Roberto Bolle.
His most recent attribute was the nomination for Head of the Regional and National Council of Culture.
“I am sure that the two representations of ‘An American in Paris’ will be sold out. I have no doubt,” enthuses Felix. “I shall be in awe greeting these names at MIA and taking them to rehearse at the MCC. I urge the public not to miss such a ride that includes Maltese dancers, children of our theatre.”
Booking for Raffaele Paganini and Louis Hammer’s choreography GERSHWIN’S AN AMERICAN IN PARIS will open online and at the booking offices of the Manoel Theatre and the MCC on 11th April 2012. VIP Tickets at €65 including a lavish reception (very limited seating), € 45, € 35 and also € 17. www-pir9x.hosts.cx. Show days: 4th and 5th May 2012.
Click here to see more – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_l9xGnYihk/
