Freddie Portelli needs no introduction. He is a national institution. To many a generation, he is the man who made Maltese rock n’ roll sound awesome, something unheard of at the time. So, Malta, hold on tight for the jukebox musical with all the hits of Freddie Portelli. Famous Juke Box musicals around the world include Queen’s We Will Rock You and Abba’s Mamma Mia. Now, we’re going to have our very own Il-Kbir Għadu Ġej. And some of Malta’s best talent is lined up for the show. The original story of the musical is being penned by local heavyweight Malcolm Galea, whilst Sean Buhagiar will be back on the director’s seat for a musical theatre show following his success with the sold-out show Balzunetta Towers. The musical arrangements and live band will be under the direction of Mro. Dominic Galea himself. Many of Freddie Portelli’s songs are part of the country’s collective memory; Mur Ħallini being arguably the best-known Maltese rock n ’roll song ever written. The musical will feature many other known hits like Viva Malta, Xewqat Sbieħ, Se Jkolli Nemmen and Għal Dejjem but it will also lesser known jewels like Bħalek hawn kemm trid, Ma taħraqni B’xejn and Dak ir-Rock n’ Roll. Featuring the likes of Kevin Borg, Amber, Davide Tucci, Marilena, Luke Dalli, Max Dingli, Colin Fitz Mark Tonna, Leontine, Taryn Mamo Cefai, Michela Galea, Petra, Frank Zammit and many others, Il-Kbir Għadu Ġej is touted to be the theatrical event of the year. It will premiere at Mediterranean Conference Centre in August 2019 on the 9th August and running for two weekends. The venue will be fully air-conditioned.
This event is supported by Arts Council Malta, Kinnie, APS Bank, Transport Malta and PBS Malta.