Disney’s High School Musical to make Middle East debut today (July 23)
Month long auditions and rehearsals to culminate in grand opening performance by cast of over 90 Dubai-based actors
The stage production of Disney’s international box-office hit High School Musical, will make its much awaited Middle East debut in Dubai on Wednesday, July 23, 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.
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 Wednesday.
The opening show today (July 23) will be held 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.
