Tribune News Network
Doha
The Qatar Foundation Schools production Showtime!, which is returning to the stage in March,has inspired a resurgence in musical theatre in Doha, encouraging a new generation of singers, actors and dancers to take to the stage.
Director Chris Piper is back, bringing with him a wealth of experience in theatre, television and film – having worked on West End shows such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda.
Explaining how the aim of the first show, planned in 2020 but delayed because of COVID-19, was for it to become an annual event, Piper says it has served as a driving force behind the revival of musical theatre in Qatar. “After school performing arts clubs have started to run through staff that were involved in Showtime! initially, causing a sort of snowball effect in Doha – with the production serving as a foundation.
“There is an incredible amount of opportunity within the performing arts sphere here, and Showtime! has stirred things up; it has lit a fire of inspiration. It’s wonderful seeing such a thirst for it. It has had such positive impact on the people involved – it means so much to them – so it feels like a truly worthwhile project.”
A clear indication of its popularity is the number of children taking part. This year, more than 260 students from a number of Qatar Foundation (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE) schools auditioned, including returning students as well as first-time participants, with the production set to feature 50 students and 15 staff members.
This year, the theme of Showtime! is “Musicals at the Movies”, with the numbers being from either award-winning musical films or musicals that have been adapted from award-winning films. Additionally, original song “Now or Never”, by Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan, will debut in English and Arabic.
Showtime! is taking place from March 2 to 4 in the PUE Theater in Education City. Tickets, costing QR150, are available to purchase from Q Tickets.
