Exciting news is in the air as Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris to launch “Once Upon a Time in Dubai,” a groundbreaking musical set to open in December of 2025 in collaboration with Universal Music MENA. This revolutionary musical has been made possible by partners ALL, Accor’s loyalty program and McDonald’s UAE and is the first of its kind to be hosted in Dubai.
“This production takes the musical to a new level—it is Dubai’s story and today’s world as a message. We are getting a team of professionals to work on building something phenomenal – music and story which are embedded into the atmosphere of the city. Looking forward to present to the world this unique show created in Dubai,” said Boukris, who was behind the scenes of Robin Hood musical, which has been performed more than a million tickets in Europe.
A Historic Production
In the first leg of the stage show, “Once Upon a Time in Dubai” plans on drawing 150000 spectators’, proposes a world tour after the initial season, and a film version of the cliché, thus making it the first and the biggest production of this kind that Dubai has ever conceived.
A Stellar Creative Team
The musical has original songs by one of the most successful European beat-makers Nazim Khaled who composes for superstars such as Kendji Girac and many others with more than 4 billion video views. Khaled taking songs that are favourite with audiences and matching them with other tracks or scores that complement the tale well. Viewers can expect the release of a first single, and an accompanying music video that will give a taster of the musical before its full release.
The show will be directed by Johan Nus – a well-known in the Middle East – who worked for programs such as Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer while Gilles Papain will be the executive producer. Papain has impressive experience in Client’s list they have worked with Celine in Las Vegas and disney’s world of colors.
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An Enchanting Narrative
Based on theme of the show being set in Dubai, the storyline centers around Will a young aspiring artist who moves from London to be with his partner Sophia and to produce a music that he has dreamt off. The themes that are showcased include love, ambition and the enthusiastic culture of Dubai to create such a theme that would be so thought-provoking to the fans.
Open Casting Call for Talented Performers
At a glamorous spectacle held in Dubai, the representatives of the creative team declared a heads casting: seven singers and twenty dancers regardless of origin to incarnate the musically energetic characters of the musical. Boukris also stressed on the aspects of passion and diversity as he said, “ This is now the perfect time for performers of all ages, gender and background, to become part of this fantastic show that expresses the dreamy sentiment of Dubai.”
Speaking about collaboration Mark Flower, the Vice President of Commercial Market Strategy for Accor in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkiye, said: “This partnership is a perfect example of augmented hospitality, when travel and entertainment are inspired by culture.” This musical will promote more than 84 Accor’s hotels in UAE to ALL members, who will be VIP guests with captivating ALL Insider exclusives giving them incredible memories to hold all the time.
The entire album is to be recorded by the Q3 of 2024, and the first track is to be released out by Q4 of 2024.
About Stéphane Boukris
Stéphane Boukris is a visionary French music producer who is fully engrossed in creative narration through music and entertainment. He started the “Once Upon a Time in Dubai” movie which shooting located in Dubai. Boukris has extensive experience in the international music arena and recently was able to both produce the musical “Robin Hood” and achieve great commercial success.
About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is the largest producer and distributor of music content in the world providing recorded music; publishing of music; merchandise and audiovisual products. UMG incubates art, ideas, and business, providing chances to artists and novel experiences to its audiences. For further details visit our official website at www.universalmusic.com.