ABU DHABI // Michael Jackson fans will get the chance next month to hear a medley of his hits almost two years after the pop star died.
The worldwide tour Thriller Live arrives at the 5,000-capacity FLASH Forum on Yas Island on June 9 and 10.
The show should bring back fond memories for Jackson's UAE fan base, said Shatha al Romaithi, a FLASH spokeswoman.
"This show has captured audiences around the world with its talented, energetic cast recreating Michael's amazing entertainment qualities, and we are delighted to bring this incredible musical experience to Abu Dhabi to pay tribute to Michael Jackson," she said.
"It is the first time this musical has been to Abu Dhabi and we are looking forward to fans embracing this concert-like event and remembering the times when Michael's music touched all our lives," Miss al Romaithi added.
Thriller Live was established before Jackson's death, in 2006, in London's West End. The extended version being staged at the Lyric Theatre is scheduled to run until January 2012.
When news of his death broke on June 25, 2009, fans headed to music outlets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to buy his recordings, radio stations played his music and the Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, in Dubai, held a tribute event.
The forthcoming performance lasts for two hours and features a large cast singing and dancing their way through Jackson's hits. The show includes early songs such as Can You Feel It, which the singer performed as part of The Jackson 5, to Smooth Criminal, from 1987's Bad album.
In a career that spanned four decades, Jackson sold millions of records. His 1982 album, Thriller, is believed to be the biggest-selling album of all time, having sold more than 100 million copies. Several of Jackson's other albums, including Bad and Dangerous, in 1991, have sold more than 30 million copies each.
Tickets for Thriller Live are on sale from today through www.thinkflash.ae.
[ zalhassani@thenational.ae ]
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Price: From Dh1.14 million ($311,000)
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THE HOLDOVERS
Director: Alexander Payne
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
Rating: 4.5/5
Score
Third Test, Day 1
New Zealand 229-7 (90 ov)
Pakistan
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat
MATCH INFO
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
UAE v Oman - abandoned
Oman v Namibia - abandoned
Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Kevin Hart
3/5 stars
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
Past winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2016 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2014 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus)
2011 Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2010 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2009 Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
Disturbing facts and figures
51% of parents in the UAE feel like they are failing within the first year of parenthood
57% vs 43% is the number of mothers versus the number of fathers who feel they’re failing
28% of parents believe social media adds to the pressure they feel to be perfect
55% of parents cannot relate to parenting images on social media
67% of parents wish there were more honest representations of parenting on social media
53% of parents admit they put on a brave face rather than being honest due to fear of judgment
Source: YouGov
About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
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Based: Abu Dhabi
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