
JOHAN NUS OF ARABS GOT TALENT FAME TO DIRECT REGION'S FIRST GRAND MUSICAL, ONCE UPON A TIME IN DUBAI - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai's much-anticipated first grand musical of its kind, Once Upon A Time in Dubai , will have celebrated director Johan Nus at the helm. Known for his dynamic and visionary direction across international productions including Arabs Got Talent, Nus is set to create an unforgettable theatrical experience that captures Dubai's vibrant energy and ambition.
With a background that includes directing performances for X Factor and The Masked Singer , as well as acclaimed musicals like Singin' in the Rain and Sweeney Todd , Nus brings a unique blend of creativity and global perspective to this ambitious project.
'Once Upon A Time in Dubai is not just a musical; it's a bold celebration of culture, love, and ambition—values that define Dubai so well in my opinion. Directing this project is a dream come true, as it allows me to blend my passion for storytelling with the unmatched spirit of this incredible city. Audiences can expect a visual and emotional journey that will stay with them long after the curtains close.'
Set to premiere in December 2025, the musical is set to become a milestone project featuring 50 shows in Dubai for an anticipated 150,000 attendees before it embarks on a world tour and movie adaptation in subsequent years eventually.
Producer Stéphane Boukris, whose credentials include international successes like the Robin Hood musical, expressed his excitement about working with Nus:
' Johan's ability to connect with audiences through his direction is unparalleled. His vision aligns perfectly with what we want to achieve with Once Upon A Time in Dubai—a production that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with audiences around the globe. His expertise is critical in bringing this dream to life.'
The musical is a story of dreams, love, and determination, centered on Will, a young artist who moves to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of creating a spectacular show. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled, the production promises a mix of chart-topping songs and emotionally evocative music.
Once Upon A Time in Dubai is poised to redefine theatrical entertainment in the region, showcasing Dubai as a hub for global culture and creativity.
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Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Mid East Info
History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region's first original global musical unveils cast, new single
The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai , the region's first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi , performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show. Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very 'multicultural heartbeat of Dubai', according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a 'genre-bending spectacle' – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time. 'It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,' said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. 'The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.' Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025. The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai's iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show's larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show's soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical. 'Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It's a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,' said Khaled, the composer who's worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally. Once Upon a Time in Dubai tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai's vibrant culture are woven into the narrative. The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey. Stellar ensemble of international talents Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina , a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London's elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia . While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will . Dubai-based performer Isiako ( Khalid ) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim , drawing from her rich experience in Dubai's live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam , adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia. Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias , the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo's performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal's Concordia University. Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, 'We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.' The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. 'Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,' added Boukris. 'This is not just a show — it's a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.' Now, with the soundtrack's first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun. The musical's official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night. sudha


Mid East Info
24-04-2025
- Mid East Info
Musical Debut: Amanda Maalouf Unveils Signature Song
In a performance that blended emotion, elegance, and East-West harmony, Lebanese-French singer Amanda Maalouf on Wednesday gave a select UAE audience a stirring preview of the upcoming musical Once Upon A Time in Dubai , set to premiere in December 2025. The exclusive showcase featured Maalouf performing 'Habibi,' one of the show's signature numbers, at an invite-only preview attended by media, partners, and cultural stakeholders. The song—a poignant blend of Arabic influences and Western theatrical arrangement—earned enthusiastic applause, offering a glimpse of what producers are calling 'a new kind of musical for a new Dubai.' 'Dubai is more than a setting—it's a character in this story,' said Stéphane Boukris, co-producer of the musical. 'This project is about cultural unity, artistic innovation, and shining a spotlight on a new generation redefining identity in the Middle East. We're proud to bring this bridge between France and the UAE to life.' For Maalouf, whose performance marked the first public taste of the show, the moment was deeply personal. ' Habibi is a song that speaks from the heart—it's a journey through love, self-expression, and identity,' she told reporters after the performance. 'Performing it here in Dubai, where East and West meet so beautifully, is a dream. This is just the beginning [of great things together].' The team behind Once Upon A Time in Dubai says the musical is more than entertainment—it's a cultural project designed to showcase Dubai as a city of stories, voices, and future-forward artistry. The production is backed by Universal Music and features a cast and crew with international credentials, with more previews and announcements expected soon. A collaboration between a visionary French team and Universal Music, the musical tells the story of a young generation rising in the heart of Dubai, navigating identity, ambition, and tradition in a rapidly changing world. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled and set against the backdrop of the UAE's global crossroads, the show promises to be a landmark moment for original musical theatre in the region. The story, told through original music and dance, will premiere later this year, with full production details expected to be announced over the coming months sudha


Mid East Info
18-02-2025
- Mid East Info
JOHAN NUS OF ARABS GOT TALENT FAME TO DIRECT REGION'S FIRST GRAND MUSICAL, ONCE UPON A TIME IN DUBAI - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai's much-anticipated first grand musical of its kind, Once Upon A Time in Dubai , will have celebrated director Johan Nus at the helm. Known for his dynamic and visionary direction across international productions including Arabs Got Talent, Nus is set to create an unforgettable theatrical experience that captures Dubai's vibrant energy and ambition. With a background that includes directing performances for X Factor and The Masked Singer , as well as acclaimed musicals like Singin' in the Rain and Sweeney Todd , Nus brings a unique blend of creativity and global perspective to this ambitious project. 'Once Upon A Time in Dubai is not just a musical; it's a bold celebration of culture, love, and ambition—values that define Dubai so well in my opinion. Directing this project is a dream come true, as it allows me to blend my passion for storytelling with the unmatched spirit of this incredible city. Audiences can expect a visual and emotional journey that will stay with them long after the curtains close.' Set to premiere in December 2025, the musical is set to become a milestone project featuring 50 shows in Dubai for an anticipated 150,000 attendees before it embarks on a world tour and movie adaptation in subsequent years eventually. Producer Stéphane Boukris, whose credentials include international successes like the Robin Hood musical, expressed his excitement about working with Nus: ' Johan's ability to connect with audiences through his direction is unparalleled. His vision aligns perfectly with what we want to achieve with Once Upon A Time in Dubai—a production that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with audiences around the globe. His expertise is critical in bringing this dream to life.' The musical is a story of dreams, love, and determination, centered on Will, a young artist who moves to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of creating a spectacular show. With original compositions by renowned composer Nazim Khaled, the production promises a mix of chart-topping songs and emotionally evocative music. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is poised to redefine theatrical entertainment in the region, showcasing Dubai as a hub for global culture and creativity.