Broadway's Sarah Ripard

Narcy Calamatta writes about Maltese actress Sarah Ripard, his former neighbour in San Gwann, who is now performing on Broadway:

Theatre buffs like me have one big dream. That is to go to New York and see a musical show on the legendary Broadway. Yet one would not dare dream to be at the Broadway Theatre itself and see one’s neighbour’s daughter on stage. My friend Frans Ripard is also my neighbour and first choice stage manager for musicals I have directed. His daughter Sarah went to school with my daughter. At the age of 7 she found herself living in England with her Mauritian mother, where she went to the distinguished Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Her inspiration was her grandmother, Mary Ripard, who was my Zolli in the original Wenzu w Rozi TV series. Eventually young Sarah went to live in Los Angeles for more training and a professional launch in an acting career..

Her highest moment to date must surely be her part as Kitty DeSouza, the ex-film star and TV personality, in the new Bollywood celebration musical, Bombay Dreams. I could not believe my eyes when Sarah walked out of the backstage door to take me and my family inside when a crowd of admirers mobbed her for her autograph..

Our Sarah Ripard was very successful as Kitty on Broadway. She even doubled in minor roles throughout the show. I kept focusing on Sarah’s discipline in portraying her various characters with versatility. Sometimes I couldn’t even recognise her. Her carriage, her voice, her stage presence impressed me with their professional standard. She is a beautiful child and will go far. Sarah will be hard pressed to top Bombay Dreams at the Broadway Theatre NY...