Main venue turned into global village
Web posted at: 7/12/2005 3:7:47
Source ::: The Peninsula

DOHA: The main venue of this year's Qatar Summer Wonders mega festival, the Qatar International Exhibition Centre (QIEC), which has been converted into Bshara's Global Village, opened for visitors yesterday. A selection of some of the most popular shows from around the world are on offer at the QIEC under the theme of this year's festival, “Around the World in 30 days.”

Theatrical classics such as Pinocchio, Beauty And The Beast, Jungle Book and the Adventures of Ali Baba, staged by no other than the original producers of these shows, the Hollywood-based Universal Studios, are being held at QIEC. Professional European theatre actors bring to life these interactive shows which are suited for the whole family. All shows have stunning costumes and stage design, together with high tech sound, lighting systems and special effects creates an experience to stimulate all the senses.

"This is the first time that Qatar will experience Universal Studios and we are proud to be hosting such high level of entertainment for Qatar's residents and visitors", said Gary Mason. "We are confident that people will enjoy the show again and again throughout the month."

Performers arrived in Qatar over the last week and were busy rehearsing the show for the hectic schedule ahead. Dancers and actors have been sweating it out, stretching, high-kicking and singing and dancing all in preparation for the opening performances starting yesterday. and continuing throughout the month.

The highlights of these shows are as follows:

Pinocchio: One of the most famous fairytale stories of all time, Pinocchio tells the endearing tale of an old wood carver and his desire to become a real father to one of his favourite wooden puppets. Brought to life through the magic of the Blue Fairy, the adventures of Pinocchio and his quest to learn right from wrong are sure to be a big hit with family audiences.

Set on a magical three dimensional stage, live moving scenery and ultimate audiovisual special effects help bring the story to life. With plenty of audience participation, costumes from a top London fashion house, original musical score and all of your favorite songs, this production is a sure fire winner.

Beauty and the Beast: This endearing tale of Beauty and the Beast will enchant audiences both young and old alike. A handsome Prince is turned into a hideous beast after an old witch cast a spell on him that can only be broken by the love of a beautiful girl called Belle, who is forced to live at the Beasts' Palace. Can a beautiful girl fall in love with such a creature? Can the spell be broken? All will be revealed in this classic production of a world famous tale. Audiences will be captivated from start to finish, with the well-known song of Beauty and the beast, stunning scenery and ultra violet black theatre illusion.

Adventures of Ali Baba: Many, many years ago, there lived, in a town in Persia, two young brothers named Qassim and Ali Baba.This is the story of good triumphing over evil, and of generosity over greed. "Open Sesame" is the magic word that unleashes an adventure for Ali Baba and his faithful companion, Camilla the Dancing Camel. The journey takes audiences into the magical and mystical world of Arabia and adventure with our hero Ali Baba as he overcomes all the odds to triumph and save the day. This interactive show with a bi-lingual narrator will be a favorite.

Jungle Book: Audiences will see a truly spectacular version of this very famous tale. Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book is the story set in India, of a lost boy, brought up by friendly jungle animals that spend time teaching "Mowgli" the law of the jungle. This show, plays host to dozens of favorite costume characters and features both original music and a selection of the all time popular classic songs. State of the art sound and lighting, authentic jungle drummers, and magical costume characters complete this not to be missed entertainment experience.

Entry to the QIEC is priced at QR20 for adults and QR10 for kids. The fee includes entry to all shows held at this venue.