Following on from recent successes, including Pinocchio: The Panto and the musical Fiddler on the Roof, FM Theatre Productions will shortly present the critically-acclaimed, Tony and Clarence Derwent Award-winning play, Butterflies Are Free.
The comedy, which will be staged at the St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity later this month, 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 on-stage 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 will be staged at St James Cavalier on 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 May and 4, 5, 6, 7 June. Booking is now open, and tickets can be booked here, by emailing info@sjcav.org or calling 2122 3200.
