Capital’s cartoon date

He’s arguably the world’s most recognizable character and now the larger-than-life mouse is coming to Abu Dhabi.

Sport and Entertainment Solutions has teamed up with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) and Feld Entertainment to bring Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival to Abu Dhabi.

The lovable Mickey Mouse is rounding up his energetic friends Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy for a magical live show for the first time in the capital.

“Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival has touched millions of people around the world and introduced some children to their first-ever theatre experience,” said Ali Haidary, founder and CEO of Sport and Entertainment Solutions.

“This is a show for the entire family and we expect mums and dads to be on their feet with their children dancing to this well-crafted selection of chart-topping hits mixed with their favourite Disney classics,” added Haidary.

The energetic affair will bring together 25 favourite Disney characters for a musical mash-up featuring Disney classics as well as chart-topping hits – all with a charming twist.

The whole family should be clapping, singing and dancing along as the four lovable pals turn the stage into a rock and roll party. The fabulous foursome will be joined by the cast of Aladdin, The Little Mermaid and Disney Pixar’s Toy Story.

Disney promises to make the show as interactive as they know how. The talented team, who are chosen through selective casting, will delight audiences with Disney classics such as ‘A Whole New World’ and ‘Under The Sea’. Pair that with a hip-hop flurry of magical transformations, acrobatics and flying carpets with Aladdin, Jasmine and Genie; some underwater reggae rhythms with Ariel, Sebastian and their maritime mates; and a country western hoedown from Toy Story’s Woody, Buzz and Jessie the yodelling cowgirl and you’re guaranteed a show-stopping performance.

“We’ve created an environment where audience members will be able to connect with the Disney stars,” said Alana Feld, producer and executive vice president of Feld Entertainment.

“Within each concert moment are elements of personal interaction and the audience will be harmonising, dancing, laughing and having an outrageously good time with the characters.”

The festival recently wrapped up a tour in Turkey and Cyprus and this will be its first in Abu Dhabi. Organisers hope to bring the festival back each year as part of a vision to revamp the family entertainment scene by providing quality and authentic events to families and tourists in the UAE.

The show is sure to be entertaining for the whole family, whether you’re an excitable toddler or a nostalgic adult. The experienced team of creative talents includes award-winning director and choreographer Fred Tallasken, who choreographed Madonna’s ‘Sorry’ video and the finale of her Confessions World Tour, as well as a host of expert Disney writers, costume designers and music directors.

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival will be held at du Forum, Yas Island from 26th February to 2nd March.

Early bird tickets come on sale this Friday, 10th January until 22nd January from AED 125 and can be purchased at any Virgin Megastore in the UAE or online at www.ticketmaster.ae. Regular ticket prices start from AED 150 for bronze up to AED 1,000 for VIP.

Rachael Peacock