Popular American musical West Side Story opens at Dubai Opera this week
Two gangs, one love…
Last year, Dubai Opera bought us the Chicago, The Musical and in 2021, we danced in our chairs to the musical Mamma Mia. And this year, we are going to enjoy yet another musical as West Side Story comes to Dubai.
West Side Story is one of the most popular American musicals of all time and it will be showcased at the Dubai Opera this week from Tuesday, April 25 to 30. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, head to Dubai Opera. Prices start from Dhs250.
This show at Dubai Opera is one of those rare productions that features Jerome Robbins’ original choreography. It has thrilled audiences on three continents since 2003 and has been seen by over three million people in 28 countries.
So, what’s West Side Story about?
If you haven’t seen the musical before, or seen the films, the musical explores the rivalry between The Jets and the Sharks – two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.
The Sharks (immigrants from Puerto Rico) take on the Jets (from New York) for dominance of the neighbourhood. In the midst of all this drama, there is a great (yet tragic) love fighting to overcome all these obstacles and prejudices that stand in the way. Sound familiar? Yes, the story is indeed inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet.
Guests will be treated to music composed by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Pair this with the choreography by Jerome Robbins and this is one musical that needs to shoot to the top of your watch list.
From Tuesday, April 25 to 29, the performance begins at 8pm with matinee shows at 2pm on Saturday, April 29 and 30. On closing day, the performance begins at 7.30pm. The performance lasts around two and a half hours with an intermission.
If you want to enjoy a meal before the show, here are our top restaurant selections in the area you can dine at.
West Side Story musical, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, April 25 to 30, timings vary, prices start from Dhs250. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com
Images: Dubai Opera and social