London based director closely associated with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to lead Jesus Christ Superstar at Teatru Astra Print Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

hw press conference13 11 2017

On Monday morning, Teatru Astra formally presented Hugh Wooldridge - an international director who will be leading the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at Teatru Astra. The official presentation was held during a press conference attended by the Hon Minister for Gozo Dr Justyne Caruana, Hugh Wooldridge, Mro Sigmund Mifsud musical director and Michael Formosa, Administrative Secretary at Teatru Astra.

In his comments Mr Wooldridge stated "I am so happy to be in these magical islands. As a child I remember older people talking about the bravery of Malta and Gozo during the Second World War. Later, I had friends who had made Malta their holiday destination of choice." He stated that he has been so impressed with the talent he met during this weekend: on and off-stage and is looking forward to work with the technicians, creative personnel and performers.

Concluding he stated that "Jesus Christ Superstar is one of my most favourite musicals and I have directed productions of it all over the world. For the 50th anniversary of Teatru Astra we are celebrating a brand new production involving all of the community. Together with organising team and Mro Sigmund Mifsud, we are planning next Palm Saturday and Sunday to be an exciting event, which truly reflect - in a contemporary way - the greatest story ever told. Please come and join in!"

Michael Formosa who spoke on behalf of Teatru Astra noted that 2018 is a significant year in the history of the theatre which opened its doors 50 years ago, in 1968. Since then the theatre has consolidated its roots and the engagement of Hugh Wooldridge - an international-fame musical director, proofs the artistic development of the theatre and the high quality events it produces for the benefit of the community at large.

Mro Sigmund Mifsud also welcomed the engagement of Hugh Wooldridge, whom he said will improve further the quality of the musical productions at Teatru Astra. He concluded by saying that he is looking forward to the third successive musical production in the theatre, following the theatre's debut, which he spearheaded, in Grease in 2016 and the most recent record-breaking Evita during March 2017.

Dr Justyne Caruana, Minister for Gozo concluded saying that such a production and high profile artistic director is an opportunity for Gozo. The Ministry for Gozo, she remarked, will continue to support the arts in Gozo and congratulated Teatru Astra on this major undertaking.

The musical Jesus Christ Superstar, which is supported by Valletta 18 and the Ministry for Gozo will be held at Teatru Astra on Saturday 24 (20.00hrs) and Sunday 25 March (15.30hrs). Booking is available on www.ticketline.com.mt and on help desk number +356 79244048.