Meet the Cast of Soirée 2015
Get ready to meet the cast of Soirée 2015!
Emma-Marie Sammut:
Iago: “Jafar’s right-hand parrot”, is going to be played by none other than Ella Coppini, a science student with an apt acting background. This drama enthusiast started developing her acting talents at the fresh age of 5 with Drama Troop. She then transferred to Studio 18 a year ago, where she involved herself in various other plays, notably Baby Daddy. Now, that she’s part of a SAC production, Ella feels extremely honoured to be chosen from amongst the cut-throat talent - she’s a dedicated actress who’s extraordinarily passionate about her role. She’s bubbly, committed- all good qualities for a person in her line of work. A mention worthy trait is her practicality and her rare tendency to get nervous - even though singing does seem to stir her up at times, she still faces the stage with sheer confidence.
Genie: One of the most comical characters in Aladdin will be played by the Maths course and The Voice’s very own Luke Abela. Like Ella, his love for theatre started at an early stage of life. Luke comes from a Helen O’Grady background but had to eventually adapted himself to the Stage Coach-way-of-life along the way. He’s upbeat, and loves to hum tunes whilst working, and is loudly known for openly practicing his script. He’s an endearing sort with a brilliant theatrical reputation. There’s no doubt that the role of Genie suits him; he’s got the perfect personality to match the satiric character. But, putting up with the role can have its drawbacks. As Genie was voiced by the notorious Robin Williams, the high-expectations are incredibly difficult to ignore. However, he continuously strives to fulfil our expectations in this year’s musical
And, last but not least, (drum roll, if you please), we’ve got the main protagonists of the play. Yes, you’ve got it right - I’m referring to Aladdin and Jasmine.
Jasmine: Nicola comes from a strong acting background. Her eyes light up at the very mention of her role as Jasmine. I can tell she’s devoted to the arts - apart from her stellar talent in acting, she even dabbles in classical singing, impressively in opera. Acting is a progressive art to master, and it’s all about the thrill of doing something which brings pleasure to the audience. Interestingly enough, Nicola loves to fill her unoccupied time with her favourite hobby. Indeed, this was one of the alluring intrigues which scribbled down her name on the auditioning lists. “The first scenes are always the worst. I’m always dying inside, ” she says. Though, as she warms up to her audience, she explains that this fades away, of course. She’s known to put on incredulous performances, and I’ve no doubt she can’t do the same with this year’s Soirée.
Aladdin: At first glance, Kyle Mangani portrays himself to be of a quiet sort. Although the case, his alter-ego flourishes on the stage. His acting capacities started developing in a relatively recent period of time, but are nonetheless ingenious. Him being cast as Aladdin sparked a stronger interest in theatre and, he has since been further developing his singing skills. Kyle is intent on inputting his full potential in his role of Aladdin, and is eager to please the crowds as they (hopefully) pour in through the theatre hall’s doorways for this year’s Soirée. And, with utmost sincerity and dedication, he tells me that theatre “is a responsibility”, and it is essential that he “gives it his all”.
My interview, however, did not stop there. I delved deeper into the roles of Aladdin and Jasmine. As you know, things do get a bit passionate - and I don’t mean that metaphorically. I mean that literally. The happy romance between the two characters will be experienced first-hand by Kyle and Nicola in this year’s production. And for those of you who didn’t yet understand, and this is where I’m going to be entirely frank with you - they get to kiss. I might have created an awkward air between the interviewees and myself, but that didn’t stop me. An on-stage kiss, in front of an unknown audience, can have its fair amount of intimidations. The pair explained that rehearsals make them more comfortable with one other, and soon enough, they’ll surely be accustomed to it. And, I’m pretty sure the cast indulges in its fair share of mockery and banter (indeed, Luke was the first, as he sat next to me at the time, biting his cheeks to avoid further giggling).
Daphne Camillieri:
The Orchestra:
I’ve met up with two members of the musical ‘Aladdin’, who although may not appear to the audience or in the background, give a great chunk of work and effort, without which, the show would not be the same way it is. Isaiah Riolo, who plays the violin, expressed that although the music pieces are at first tough to learn, they become easy and enjoyable once you get the hang of them. He likes the music accompanying ‘Aladdin’ even because of the fact that he enjoys the familiarity of it, as well as the soundtracks. Although it is his first time playing in an orchestra, he enjoys the team effort and “just like you can rely on others, others rely on you”. Daniel Sant plays the electric guitar with the orchestra. He stated that enjoys this particular repertoire, because although he can play diverse music and equally enjoy it, he finds this a quite challenging as they differ from his usual music tastes. However, this is not the first time that Daniel has played in an orchestra, so the concept is not so new to him. Both musicians’ favourite piece is ‘One Jump Ahead’. Isaiah comments on its lively melody, whilst Daniel admires the fact that the musicians, in this particular piece, come together as one to create an amazing collaboration to produce the symphony that we, as the audience, will surely stand in awe at hearing.
The Dancers:
Gabriella Mifsud, one of those dancing in scenes such as ‘Arabian Nights’, Prince Ali’, ‘Friend like me’ and the finale, commented that she finds this particular show very well-choreographed, and although it is not her first time dancing in shows, she commented on the standard that Corinna Abela and Francesca Gauci, being the choreographers of this grand show, hold a high performance standard that is expected from their dancers in order to give the best performance. However, she also mentioned how easy it is to work with them, and also how close the entire team has become. Although all dances and routines are breath-taking to watch, ‘Prince Ali’ is surely not to be missed, Gabriella proudly stated. This is a piece that involves everyone; the main cast, the chorus, the dancers and of course, as well as the orchestra and is also one of the most beautiful pieces, music-wise.
Erika Ellul, another dancer who’ll share the same stage as Gabriella, confesses that the choreography takes a few tries to get used to, although once mastered, it is fun to perform. It’s not her first time dancing either. She has taken part in past school plays as well in stage coach productions. ‘Arabian Nights’ is too her favourite part, she tells me. It incorporates both slow and relaxed movements as well as sharp and fast ones. She is absolutely sure that it is going to look supreme on stage and the audience will simply adore it. From what I have heard, I will be sure not to miss this year’s Soiree. It indeed looks like the entire ‘Aladdin’ team is working pretty hard to put up their best show. And we haven’t heard anything about the items yet, which without a doubt, will complete Soirée.
Soirée has given these young actors, dancers, and musicians, the chance to experience a new aspect of the Aloysian society. One commonality between them all, apart from the obvious raw expertise that they share, is the notion of a innovation and a new experience. And, the only reason it has been successful so far, is due to the exemplary team-work exhibited by all departments; each branch has its own utility, and are pieces to a complexly intricate, marvellous puzzle. The entire Aladdin team is working hard to put up the best show possible. Next on the list are the items. They will, in the end, piece together the missing parts of this profound and grand puzzle.
Good luck to all members of the show - and may Soirée 2015 be a blast!
Emma M Sammut (Co-Editor) and Daphne Camilleri
