Abu Dhabi Summer Season is back, with theatre shows, live concerts, interactive magic, Bollywood music and Arab and European comedy.
“This summer is the start of a new era,” says Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting executive director of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. “We have new partnerships we are forming. During this three-month period, the city will be speaking the same language to make sure it isn’t a ‘low season’ any more.”
For those who will be in town this summer, there is plenty to choose from. Here are the top acts to look out for at the annual festival, which kicks off on June 11 and runs until September 5.
Mohammed Abdo and Habeeb Al Yasi
The famous Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo and the Emirati crooner Habeeb Al Yasi will take to the stage on the first day of Eid (date to be announced) but at different venues.
• Abdo will perform in Abu Dhabi, while Al Yasi will perform in Al Ain
Mummenschanz, The Musicians of Silence
This is one of six shows being brought to Abu Dhabi by Alchemy Project. The visual spectacle, which was created in 1972, is a wordless play, with light, shadow and masks, some made from Play-Doh-like clay – and, bizarrely, even the odd toilet roll.
• Abu Dhabi, September 3, 4 and 5; Al Ain, August 27, 28 and 29
Barney Live
The world's favourite purple dinosaur is holding the world premiere of his new show, Barney Live World Show – A Celebration in Abu Dhabi.
• Abu Dhabi, July 30, 31 and August 1; Western Region on August 23, 24; and July 15 at Madinat Zayed Theatre
Sesame Street Live
Sesame Street is one of the longest-running children's shows in the world, having debuted in 1969. In the Summer Season special, Abby, Elmo and friends discover musical instruments they never knew existed, including pots and spoons, dustbin lids and cookie jars.
The show has visited Dubai before, but this is the first time it’s being brought to the capital.
• Abu Dhabi, August 6, 7 and 8; Al Ain, August 13, 14 and 15
Comedy Friday
The American actor and comedian Eddie Griffin, best known for portraying Eddie Sherman in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie and the title character in the 2002 comedy film Undercover Brother, will share the stage with Mohammed "Mo" Amer, a Kuwaiti-born American stand-up comedian and writer of Palestinian descent who is best known as one third of the comedy trio Allah Made Me Funny – expect plenty of laughs.
• Abu Dhabi, September 4
Shreya Ghoshal
The Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal will headline a concert backed by a 14-member troupe of dancers to commemorate Indian National Day.
• Abu Dhabi, August 15
The Comedy Extravaganza
The Saudi comedian Bader Saleh, famous for his witty banter, will head the first live performance of his popular YouTube show, Eysh Elly.
• Abu Dhabi, August 27 and 28
Hans Klok
The award-winning Dutch illusionist, who has been compared to Harry Houdini, makes his Middle East debut with a (top-secret) show featuring Houdini-like dancers.
• Abu Dhabi, August 21 and 22
Mythbusters
Join Jamie and Adam for mind-blowing and mind-boggling experiments. It’s the first appearance in the Middle East for this bold experimental show, which features all the excitement of science with none of the boring bits (prepare to be called on stage to join in the experiments).
• Abu Dhabi, August 13, 14 and 15
Shaun the Sheep
Shaun the Sheep has been up to mischief in the farmyard on television since 2007, when he was created by Nick Park (famed for Wallace and Gromit). The show is screened in the UAE on E-Junior and MBC3, who are bringing the live show to the capital.
• Abu Dhabi, July 23, 24 and 25; Al Ain, July 30 and 31, August 1
The Illuminaire
This fire, light and water stage production, already popular in Europe, is coming to the UAE for the first time. The show draws from mythology, ancient cultures and a vision of an enlightened future.
• Abu Dhabi, August 20 to 22; Al Ain, August 27, 28 and 29
• For tickets and the full line-up, visit abudhabisummerseason.ae
artslife@thenational.ae
