From Greased Lightnin’ to Singin’ in the Rain

With its blend of nostalgia, spectacle, humour, and technical innovation, Singin’ in the Rain promises to be a landmark in Astra’s musical journey.

Over the past decade, Teatru Astra has grown into one of Gozo’s most ambitious homes for musical theatre. What began as occasional ventures into the genre has evolved into a confident and much-anticipated tradition, with each production expanding the theatre’s artistic reach and strengthening its bond with audiences both locally and beyond the island.

Astra’s modern musical journey ignited with the energy of Grease, proving the theatre could deliver the youthful drive, ensemble spirit, and fun the genre demands. This was followed by Evita, a production that signalled a readiness for grand, emotionally charged storytelling.

The rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar came next, bringing intensity and contemporary edge, before the vibrant, family-friendly spectacle of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat broadened Astra’s audience and showcased its versatility. Comedy and community spirit took centre stage in Sister Act, while The Sound of Music reaffirmed the theatre’s affinity for Golden Age classics, blending tradition with musical excellence and visual splendour.

Artistic ambition soared with West Side Story, a demanding fusion of music, dance, and drama that demonstrated Astra’s growing mastery of the form and its willingness to take on technically and emotionally challenging material. Most recently, Fiddler on the Roof brought warmth, humanity, and cultural depth, highlighting the theatre’s maturity in handling stories of profound heart and resonance while maintaining the scale and energy audiences have come to expect.

Together, these productions chart a clear evolution: Teatru Astra has become a powerhouse of musical theatre in Gozo, defined by ambition, craft, and a genuine love for the art form - as well as a remarkable capacity for transforming an opera house into anything from 1950s America to Imperial Russia at surprisingly short notice.

This year, Astra turns its attention to one of the most beloved musicals of all time: Singin’ in the Rain. In a bold technical step forward, the production will feature live on-stage rain effects, bringing the iconic title number to life in a way never before seen on a Gozitan stage and adding a whole new dimension to the theatre’s already impressive technical repertoire.

Francesco Nicodeme leads the cast as Hollywood star Don Lockwood, capturing the charm and charisma of a silent-film idol on the brink of the talkies. At his side is Dean Ellul as the inventive and loyal Cosmo Brown, while Clara Sciberras brings warmth and sincerity to aspiring actress Kathy Seldon. Kyra Lautier delivers comic brilliance as the gloriously egocentric Lina Lamont.

With its blend of nostalgia, spectacle, humour, and technical innovation, Singin’ in the Rain promises to be a landmark in Astra’s musical journey - honouring the theatre’s past achievements while stepping into its future.

This production of Singin’ in the Rain is supported by the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, MeDirect, Visit Malta and the Malta International Airport.

Bookings are open and tickets are available on www.teatruastra.org.mt

(as published on the Times of Malta, today 25 February 2026)