Footloose & Fancy-Free. At least for the night. My wonderful husband has gifted me two tickets for Footloose at the Dubai Opera. Already having lined up Diana, my date for the night, we leave the kids and husbands behind and head out to witness the Sellardoor Production of the classic 1984 dance musical. It still has me up on my feet rockin’ whenever I hear the catchy tunes and I was excited to hear that the production was coming to Dubai following two critically acclaimed tours and a West End run.
We head into Downtown and brave the warm night for an outdoor table at Din Tai Fung. A few dumplings and a fountain show (or two) later, we walk over to Dubai Opera, one of my favorite buildings in the city. It’s not just a beautiful building to look at but there is always something interesting on within the perfectly balanced acoustic masterpiece. Plus, there is Belcanto, the new rooftop Italian restaurant offering, which only opened in June of this year.
On arriving at Dubai Opera we take the lift straight to Belcanto. The fabulous art deco inspired restaurant and bar has a hushed atmosphere. I feel like I have walked straight into the 1920’s as I pull up a seat at the bar and swivel around to take in the baby grand on stage with a lady tickling the ivories as the well-to-do dinner crowd dine. Dishes such as Chitarrina Di Grano Arso All’astice (burnt wheat “Chitarrina” pasta with lobster) and Risotto “San Massimo” Al Funghi Di Bosco (mushroom risotto) always sound better in Italian. Somehow tonight they look better too.
Having already eaten, we note the option for next time and turn to the drinks menu. Both of us select the Calabrian Sour a gin based cocktail with orange, bergamont, lemon and pear flavors. The huge sparkling crystal chandelier behind the bar (not to be confused with the even bigger chandelier in the lobby), provides the setting with even more theatrics. The cocktail is exceptional, as is the beguiling Italian jazz group that are now performing on stage.
After our drink it’s time to take the glass elevator back down, past the other giant chandelier. We take our seats and prepare for the show. I remind myself of the plot where teenager, Ren and his mum, move from Chicago to a small town. Struggling to fit into the town as the new guy he soon realises everyone knows everyone else’s business here. He can’t make sense of the fact that rock music and dancing are illegal in this town. He makes friends and falls for the local preacher’s daughter. Eventually he finds out the town’s secret, about the tragic accident that led to a vote outlawing music and dance. Ren takes it upon himself to restore fun to the town, winning over the preacher and his daughter in the process.
Of course, it has all the classics. Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It for The Boy as well as the famed Footloose. I try to refrain from humming along during the show but it’s impossible not to tap my toes along. Jake Quickenden (Dancing on Ice Winner, Hollyoaks, Dreamboys, Hair, Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure) as loveable cowboy Willard and the legendary Darren Day (TV personality and star of numerous West End and National tours including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Grease and Summer Holiday), lead the cast. The production certainly oozes spirit. The choreography is fun and there’s enough humor from the cast that it makes the live production an experience, rather than just a show.
A number of curtain calls in and the whole theatre is up and dancing by the end. The cast have clearly enjoyed their Dubai closing night and I depart with a grin almost as wide as the stage.
We walk around towards the Palace Downtown to catch a taxi. Enjoying the mild night, the lights of Downtown and the Burj Khalifa all lit up. I’m still humming the tunes as I climb into bed an hour later. It’s all I can do to stop my toes tapping as I fall asleep.
Good To Know
Dubai Opera has a year round calendar of events and it’s always a pleasure to visit this spectacular venue. Plus, an evening at Belcanto is now within my sights also.
Would I Return?
Yes.
