The stage production of Disney’s international box-office hit High School Musical, will make its much awaited Middle East debut in Dubai through a four-day showing from July 23 to July 26 at Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, in Mall of the Emirates. The show is a Mega Event of DSS 2008 organized by Popular Productions in association with West End Stage Experience.
The exciting production, directed by John Payton and produced by Lucy Blakeman together with John Payton, includes all of the favourite characters and songs from the movie, in addition to two new songs written especially for the stage. The contemporary musical comedy about Troy, a popular high school basketball star, and Gabriella, a shy, academically gifted newcomer who discover they share a passion for singing, became one of the most successful Disney movies ever made.
Featuring a cast of over 90 of the most talented young performers in Dubai, the production will play for a total of 7 performances at the Centrepoint Theatre. The musical is sponsored by Kempinski Hotel - Mall of the Emirates, City 7 TV, and TimeOut Dubai Kids.
Suhaila Gobash, Events Manager for Dubai Summer Surprises said, “Over the past couple of years, Dubai has witnessed an ever-growing interest in theatre shows and musicals and as the biggest summer event catering to audiences of diverse nationalities and tastes, Disney’s High School Musical show makes the ideal Middle East debut during a DSS edition. The debut is also unique for the fact that it has an all-Dubai cast with about 18 Arab actors.”
Lucy Blakeman of Popular Productions Ltd said, “It has been a fantastic journey the past couple of months and we were surprised by the exceptional talent we witnessed during auditions and rehearsals. Organizing this performance during DSS gives us the extra mileage in terms of exposure and reaching out to a wider audience.”
The story of auditioning actors for the Dubai show of the production is as interesting as the musical itself. Large scale open auditions were conducted in May 2008 with over 550 hopeful performers auditioning for a place from around 1000 applicants. During the course of rehearsals, that number narrowed down to the present cast comprising of 10 to 23 year olds who have been trained by a highly experienced team of West End directors, choreographers, and musical directors.
After having gone through the essentials of stage skills and much valued lessons in dance, singing, and acting, the cast of High School Musical have had a first hand experience of rehearsal pressures and will be looking forward to the thrill of the opening night on July 23.
The opening show will be held on July 23 at 7:30pm, followed by matinee shows at 2:30pm and evening shows at 7:30pm from July 24 to July 26. Tickets for this extraordinary show are available at www.showbizme.com, www.timeouttickets.com, and in person at the DUCTAC Theatre Box Office. More details on the Dubai show can also be had from www.hsmdubai.com.
