Abu Dhabi Choral Group readies for Anything Goes performance – in pictures

Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew to see what it takes to stage a musical production

The Abu Dhabi Choral Group is preparing to stage the final two shows of Anything Goes, its spring production, on Thursday and Friday. Victor Besa / The National

In addition to the 10-member backstage crew, the cast includes several actors who double as set-carriers, helping to change the stage between scenes. Victor Besa / The National

There are two tech rehearsals and two or three full dress rehearsals, during which the director makes sure the costumes and make-up are perfect. Victor Besa / The National

Each season, the group averages 50 members, who represent more than 15 nationalities and languages spoken, including first-time performers and seasoned veterans. Victor Besa / The National

The final checks also include sound, lighting positions and ensuring scene transitions are smooth. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi Choral Group generally perform a traditionally staged Broadway musical in the spring and choose a concert-style musical review in the autumn. Victor Besa / The National

The 10-member band perform the music for hit songs such as Anything Goes, It's De-Lovely and Blow, Gabriel Blow. Victor Besa / The National

Musical numbers during the show include tap-dancing and full-chorus performances. Victor Besa / The National

The final two performances are on Thursday, May 10 and Friday, May 11 at the Abu Dhabi Folklore Theatre behind Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

The annual spring performance of the Abu Dhabi Choral Group is underway and The National was given a backstage pass to one of the dress rehearsals. Staging a community production of Cole Porter's nautical-themed Anything Goes is no small feat, with 35 performers, 10 band members and as many crew members working to ensure that the costumes and make-up are perfect, the lighting is spot-on and scene transitions smooth.

The 1934 musical is set on an ocean liner cruising from New York to London. Stowaway Billy Crocker disguises himself and tries to catch the eye of beautiful heiress Hope Harcourt, who is accompanied by her nobleman fiancé and her mother. The story is played out to the tunes of popular songs including I Get a Kick Out of You, It's De-Lovely and the full-chorus number Blow, Gabriel, Blow.

Catch the final shows Thursday, May 10, and Friday, May 11, at 7pm at the Abu Dhabi Folklore Theatre, behind Al Wahda Mall, and keep in mind some interesting facts about the production: watch closely for the backstage crew, who are dressed as sailors to suit the theme; musical director Caroline Kelly is so busy playing three different instruments during the show – flute, saxophone and clarinet – she conducts much of the show with her foot; the actors who play Reno and Billy, Audrey Brinkley and Tyler Fordham, are married in real life; and the oldest character, Mrs Harcourt, is played by Bess Spencer, who at 24 is one of the youngest cast members.

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