SummerFest in Abu Dhabi

~ 09/07/13 ~

Two-time Olivier Award winner, Michael Ball, Britain's leading musical star, will bring the curtain down on SummerFest Abu Dhabi – the emirate's seasonal extravaganza – with two ‘Michael Ball Sings the Musicals' shows at du Forum on Yas Island on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August.

Supported by leading West End singers and the British Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Callum McLeod, the musical mania will see Ball perform classics from blockbuster major musicals such as Aspects Of Love, Les Miserables, Jekyll and Hyde, Kismet, Matador, Sweeney Todd, Chess, Lion King, Phantom Of The Opera, Cats, Evita and Hairspray.

Ball will arrive in the emirate only weeks after finishing a sold-out, 19-city UK tour, where the acclaimed singer and actor wowed British audiences with a set list featuring countless hits from his recorded and stage careers.

“I've never performed in Abu Dhabi before so I'm naturally very excited about my SummerFest Abu Dhabi shows,” said Ball, who scooped Olivier Awards for his roles as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray (2008) and the title character in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2013).

“The show brings together a dazzling bill of musical numbers from some of the biggest productions to have graced the West End and Broadway over the last 20 years – classics, modern favourites, the lot. The show has something for everyone,” added Ball, who also presents the popular radio show ‘Sunday Night with Michael Ball' on BBC Radio 2.

With the ‘Michael Ball Sings the Musicals' shows wrapping up the 52-day SummerFest Abu Dhabi schedule, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Sultan Al Muhairi, the Festival Manager, predicted Ball's family-friendly shows will go down a storm with local audiences.

“These shows will bring London's West End to Abu Dhabi and offer a great night out for the entire family,” said Al Muhairi. Michael and the British Philharmonic Orchestra are a magical combination to pull the curtain on SummerFest Abu Dhabi.”

‘Michael Ball Sings the Musicals' tickets start at just AED100 (US $27) and are available online at www.summerfestabudhabi.ae and www.ticketmaster.ae. UAE residents can call 800 555 for more information.