An Article by D.M. (622 words, 3 min read)
On the evenings of July twenty-third and twenty-fourth, the Beiteddine Palace lit up with energy, passion, and spectacular artistry as Kello Masmouh brought Cole Porter’s timeless Anything Goes to life in Arabic. Under the summer sky, history met performance, and at the heart of it all stood Carole Samaha, a true icon of stage and song, commanding the spotlight with grace, precision, and brilliance.
Carole Samaha: The Heartbeat of the Production
Carole Samaha returned to musical theatre with breathtaking force. Seventeen years after her last stage role, she stepped into the part of Yasmina with complete mastery. Her voice soared with clarity and power, her movements radiated elegance, and her dramatic range brought the audience on a vibrant emotional journey.
More than a performance, Carole Samaha delivered a statement. Her presence defined the show’s rhythm and tone. Every scene she led carried weight, charisma, and joy. She reminded audiences across generations what it means to live and breathe the stage. Carole Samaha is more than a performer, she is the embodiment of theatrical artistry.
Roy El Khoury’s Vision in Motion
Director, writer, and co-star Roy El Khoury crafted an Arabic adaptation that honored the essence of AnythingGoes while infusing it with new life. The dialogue resonated with wit and cultural nuance. The storytelling was fluid, vibrant, and deeply rooted in the Lebanese theatrical tradition.
Roy El Khoury understood how to balance spectacle with intimacy. He created a world that was rich in detail and emotion, while allowing his lead performer, Carole Samaha, to shine with uninterrupted brilliance.
An Ensemble That Elevated Every Scene
Alongside Carole Samaha, a gifted ensemble brought the show’s world to life with high energy and flawless timing. Roy El Khoury, Fouad Yammine, Joy Karam, Dory Semrani, Nour Helo, Charbel Sammour, Nazih Youssef, and a host of talented actors and dancers each added charm and character to the performance.
Their chemistry was evident, their dedication visible in every movement, and their delivery filled the Beiteddine courtyard with laughter, excitement, and electricity.
Music, Movement, and Visual Splendoce
The musical score was performed live by an exceptional orchestra conducted by maestro Elio Kallassi, whose leadership brought richness and texture to every note. The orchestra added warmth, rhythm, and momentum to the entire production.
The choreography delivered a visual feast of tap routines, stylized ensemble numbers, and expressive movements. The dancing never felt like an add-on. It was storytelling in motion.
The costume design delivered a dazzling array of garments that brought 1930s glamor to the stage with creativity and cultural flair. Every costume told a story, helped define a character, and added depth to the scene.
Beiteddine: A Palace Turned Stage
The Beiteddine Festival provided the perfect backdrop for this grand production. Under the open sky, beneath the intricate arches and historic stones of the palace, KelloMasmouh unfolded like a dream. The atmosphere was charged with excitement. Families, friends, and theatre lovers came together to experience something beautiful.
Laughter echoed through the courtyard. Applause rang like thunder. The air itself seemed to celebrate the joy of art.
A Moment for Lebanese Theatre
Kello Masmouh was also a celebration of what Lebanese artists can create when given the stage, the tools, and the audience they deserve. Carole Samaha reminded everyone of the power of individual brilliance, while Roy El Khoury and his team showed the strength of collective vision.
This production did not simply entertain, it inspired. It affirmed a deep love for theatre and sparked a renewed belief in the transformative power of live performance.
Kello Masmouh stood tall as a tribute to artistry, a gift to its audience, and a beacon of hope for the future of Lebanese cultural life.
