Most popular musical comes to Dubai

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Musical theatre fans and aficionados in the UAE will see the world’s most popular musical, ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ when it makes its Middle East debut at Dubai Opera on Oct.16 and runs till Nov.6.

“We are honoured to be able to host one of the world’s most iconic musicals at Dubai Opera and to be able to give audiences from across the region a chance to see the phenomenon first-hand. It has been fantastic to witness the incredible excitement for this show from fans near and far, and we’re delighted that this extension to the run will now give more people the opportunity to experience this out-of-this-world production in the region’s premier entertainment destination,” said Jasper Hope, Chief Executive at Dubai Opera.

The show in Dubai promises a larger-than-life spectacle with 130 cast, crew and orchestra members, including a spine-tingling performance of The Phantom which will be played by one of musical theatre’s most exciting talents, Jonathan Roxmouth. In addition to jaw-dropping scenery, breath-taking choreography and more than 230 costumes by the late international designer Maria Björnson, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ international tour will utilise state-of-the-art lighting and special effects, many of which are a first for the region, to provide modern audiences with a spellbinding visual feast.

“International tour of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is akin to Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s original London production, meaning fans will be able to experience the West End magic in the modern bright lights of Dubai. Each element of the musical is carefully curated to create a larger-than-life spectacle – from the legendary chandelier carefully crafted from six small chandeliers to the 37 moving parts in the first 30-seconds of the opening scene – making the show the crème-de-la-crème of musical theatre production. So whether you are a theatre regular or a first-timer, if you are to see just one show in your lifetime this should be it,” said Liz Koops, Chief Executive Officer of Broadway Entertainment Group.

The spectacular visual elements of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ are accompanied by a thrilling musical performance, including some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous and stirring tracks such as The Phantom of the Opera, Think of Me, and Music of the Night.