Walking into the theatre for my first Student’s Fest, I’ll have to admit, I sank down into my seat with not very high expectations and a hint of amused skepticism like a cynic in a church. However, credit where credit is due, I’ll have to say that I was pleasantly incorrect about my assumptions and found myself amidst a show expending enthusiasm, witticism and energy to a degree that I had not expected. KSU’s Hercules: The Legend of Citta di Nanza most definitely lived up to its name, that is, in a word — legendary.
Delivered in a very pantomime-esque fashion, the script’s adaptation of Walt Disney’s "Hercules’ was left lacking in no department that made it fit to grace the halls of Sir Temi Zammit, with some interesting updates to well-known characters, as well as a few well timed sharp digs at local politics and current affairs. The ensemble were obviously having the time of their lives, providing an exuberant performance with bright, smiling faces and not a hint of fatigue, despite the several active dance numbers throughout the whole show. Sitting in the front row, however, had a few setbacks, amongst which was fearing for my life, as a particularly energetic dance number involving a broom stick being brandished mere inches from my face was involved, as well as, due to what I presume to be homemade Greek togas, I ended up seeing more hairy man leg than I had anticipated for the night.
The main cast took pride in bringing the charm and power of being Greek gods to life, coupled with of course the narcissism and wry humor of being university students led to an interesting mix of characterizations. My most honorable mentions would have to go to; Celaine Vella, whose interpretation of Phil was met with thunderous rounds of applause every time she took the stage, as well as the lovely choral harmony of the muses — Gilbert Gauci, Lisa Mifsud, Sarah Cannataci, Karen Decelis and Martina Farrugia — who were consistently delivering challenging songs with accuracy and gusto, coming to peak in an absolutely show stopping rendition of the fan favourite Zero to Hero. Stealing the show for me, however, were Keith Zammit and Paula Mintoff, whose charisma and chemistry served to bring to life Pain and Panic, with a hint of minion, a dash of imp and without a doubt, large doses of their own influence that made their performances inimitably hilarious.
The live band accompanying the cast was also a nice addition, despite a few technical snafus that one comes to forgive of student productions, they were consistently on queue and provided a fresh interpretation of music that most of the audience would have been familiar with. A special kudos goes out to the musical director for a few interesting choices in accompanying pieces, such as using the Cantina Song from Star Wars to set us on Mount Olympus, as well as using Prokofiev’s Dance of the Knights coupled with carefully chosen choreography to depict the Battle of the Hydra.
Concluding, you can count me in with the converts, Hercules: The Legend of Citta di Nanza, was most definitely an enjoyable and surprisingly fun experience, and definitely a success on KSU’s part. I look forward to seeing what’s in store next year.