The fast-paced and energy-filled West End production of Don't Stop Believin' - A Tribute to Glee and Other Gleeful Tunes is hitting the Dubai stage this weekend.
Based on the hit US television series, the performances promise plenty of song and dance that will keep you tapping your feet.
The tribute show will be presented by 10 of the original cast members from the UK along with 20 performers from the UAE, with the youngest being age 10, following auditions held last March.
It features remixes and new approaches to songs such as Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer, Kanye West's Gold Digger and, of course, Journey's Don't Stop Believin', according to the director Carole Todd.
"As it has a mixture of musical theatre as well as pop, rock and soul songs as its base, it gives us the opportunity to 'act' out the songs rather than just standing in front of a microphone," said Todd, who previously directed the shows Dreamboats and Petticoats, Hello Dolly and Elvis the Musical. "The fact that all the performers cannot only sing, but dance and act, too, adds to the enjoyment."
Glee, the award-winning musical comedy, revolves around a group of Glee Club members trying to make it through high school unscathed.
"I direct and choreograph many music-based shows and musicals and, alongside my Motown and blues shows, this is one of my very special favourites," Todd said.
"The singing is exceptional, as are the arrangements, often using five- and six-part harmonies. And the audience is actively encouraged in the latter part of the show, to join in clapping, singing and even dancing."
For the producer Paul Tyrer, managing director of The Booking Office, which backed the show in the UK in 2010, it is a boost to have added singers, dancers and musicians from the UAE.
"It is clear there is a pool of very talented people in Dubai and we are looking forward to incorporating them into the show," he said.
On deciding the musical numbers for the production, Todd shared that the team held plenty of discussions.
"We decided to stick with the music choices taken from [Glee's] first season as that gave a more iconic overview," she said. "We have some other sections that are not being used in Dubai, should you wish us to return at some later date!"
For the UK cast member Laura Bennett, working with local talent means a "bigger" show that is a "truly local event".
"It is great that local performers are able to showcase their talent and gain experience and confidence with a professional cast," she said.
"I have never been to Dubai and know this will be a fun, feel-good show that both performers and audiences can be involved in."
• Don't Stop Believin' - A Tribute to Glee and Other Gleeful Tunes will be performed at the First Group Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai on Thursday, 4pm and 7:30pm, and both Friday and Saturday, 11am, 3pm and 7:30pm. Tickets, priced at Dh195, are available at the Madinat Theatre Box Office and Time Out. Visit www.madinattheatre.com
melshoush@thenational.ae
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Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
