Songbird sung blues
James Fryer pulls back the red curtain on two theatrical gems set to hit the boards this month at Jumeirah’s Madinat Theatre.
Over the Rainbow, the life story of Eva Cassidy, is a compelling musical telling the life story of the legendary songbird, following her life through dramatic scenes and stunning live renditions of her music, including a haunting and unusual interpretation of her classic Somewhere Over the Rainbow. A world-class cast of actors and musicians will recreate her original arrangements and recordings which have received accolades from Mick Fleetwood and Sting, and tributes from Norah Jones, Katie Melua and Chris De Burgh.
The show plays a genuine and heartfelt tribute to a true artist, whose sole desire was to create beautiful music. It’s a must-see event for fans of the late songstress, who was killed by cancer just as her career was taking off. Cassidy’s heartfelt vocals took the world by storm after her death and, with performances of this exploration of her unfortunate life selling like hotcakes in the UK, it’s set to be unmissable.
Later in the month Madinat Theatre hosts two side-splitting family shows in one performance. A Magician’s Nightmare, from UK comedy outfit Mime The Gap, is a slapstick physical cartoon comedy where anything that can go wrong, does. A hopeless stage technician, Maintenance Max, tries to set the stage for Magnifico The Magician and – you guessed it – manages to destroy everything in the process. In the second instalment – Dr No Good – medical chaos is the order of the day. So no excuses for being down in the dumps this January.
Over The Rainbow, January 17 to 19; Mime The Gap double bill, January 26 to 27, Madinat Theatre, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3666546.
On yer bike
It’s all go, go, go this month as Wolfi’s Bike Shop hosts its annual bike race starting from Jebel Ali Hotel. Cyclists from all over the UAE will be taking on the team time-trial race over a flat but ample 35 km course. Teams will set off at staggered intervals and the fastest team in each category (men, women and mixed) wins. All you’ll need to enter is a partner, a bike and Dhs200 per team of two – which includes a brunch and souvenir T-shirt. More than 150 cyclists are expected to take part.
Wolfi’s Bike Race, January 20, Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai. Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3394453.
Stargazing
This month’s Movies Under The Stars line-up features a full five nights of themed flicks. The Bare It All theme kicks the month off on January 1 with screenings of Calendar Girls and The Full Monty. Patrick Swayze night on January 8 includes Dirty Dancing and Ghost, while the imaginatively named Bridget Jones Night on January 15 will see Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason beamed onto the not-so-small screen. January 22 is A Night With John And Uma including screenings of Pulp Fiction and Be Cool. Leonardo finishes the month off with the Night For DiCaprio and screenings of Gangs of New York and Catch Me if you Can.
Movies Under The Stars, Sundays, 8pm, Rooftop Gardens, Wafi. Entry is free. Tel: (04) 3244100.
Which craft?
Dubai International Art Centre is running a series of art courses. The city’s oldest and largest art organisation is teaching photography, sculpture, design and pottery. The centre is fully fitted with a photography lab and pottery kilns, and also boasts a gallery, art shop and café. Courses run six days a week. Children and adults of any ability are welcomed.
Art Centre courses, register from January 10, Dubai International Art Centre. Tel: (04) 3444398.