Take five to kick off the weekend madness

It was June 25, 2009 when the world took pause, marking it as the day the music died.
 
Michael Jackson’s death shook up his most ardent friends and fans, but two years on, the legend is still the undisputed King of Pop.
 
Marking his two-year death anniversary, Think Flash is bringing “Thriller Live” from London’s West End, a musical like no other that pays tribute to all things Jackson – from the early years, until the lead up to “This is it.”
 
For those who missed the legend live in concert, this is one hot ticket you cannot miss.
 
Emirates 24|7 dishes the details on “Thriller Live”, along with other hot events to catch over the weekend.

Shiamak Davar’s Summer Funk at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Dubai

June 11

 
All those who appreciate dance and want to root for the young and older talent as they put their best foot forward in showcasing their deft moves on stage, the head to the Shiamak Davar’s Summer Funk performance at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Indian High School, Dubai, this Saturday.
 
A little over three hours, the show kicks off at 2pm, with those interested, able to purchase tickets at the gate itself. Tickets are priced at Dh50, Dh70 and Dh90. Call: 050 496 3558
 
Thriller Live at Flash Forum, Yas Island

June 9-10

 
Flash Entertainment brings the highly anticipated “Thriller Live” concert, a two-hour non-stop show paying homage to the undisputed King of Pop, the late Michael Jackson, for a limited season in Abu Dhabi this summer.
 
Currently in its third sell out year in London’s West End, “Thriller Live” brings to life the sensational dancing and distinctive sound of Michael and The Jackson 5.
 
This globally acclaimed production celebrates the career of Jackson, one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen and who, across four decades, sold an unparalleled 750 million records worldwide, with the “Thriller” album still the world’s best-selling recording of all time. Even after his death, Jackson’s music continues to sell in its millions.
 
Jackson fans across the UAE will be thrilled to hear all of his smash hits as an exceptionally talented cast perform songs such as: “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “Can You Feel It”, “Off The Wall”, “Smooth Criminal” and much more.
 
Award-winning director/choreographer Gary Lloyd’s musical moonwalked into the West End after three acclaimed UK tours and standing ovations across Europe. Lloyd’s long-list of credits include working with Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Victoria Beckham and Girls Aloud and “Fame the musical”.
 
International reviewers have called this show “quite literally thrilling” (The Stage), “a total blast” (What’s On Stage) and “a great tonic in these gloomy days” (The Evening Standard).
 
From Jackson’s early years as a teen sensation belting out the classic “ABC” with his brothers and sisters, to his breakthrough solo album “Off the Wall” and beyond, six different singers deliver all of his greatest hits.
 
Held at the Flash Forum from June 9-10, at spokesperson, Shatha Al Romaithi, said: “This show has captured audiences around the world, with its talented energetic cast recreating Michael’s amazing entertainment qualities and we are delighted to bring this incredible musical experience to Abu Dhabi to pay tribute to Michael Jackson.”
 
Tickets are priced at Dh100, Dh195 and Dh250. Group discounts also available for 10 people or more. Show starts at 8pm. Call: 800 FLASH
  
Whose Line Is It Anyway? at First Group Theatre

June 9-11

 
Join Stephen Frost, Andy Smart, Niall Ashdown, Steve Steen and Ian Coppinger, regular members of the Comedy Store Players, for “Whose Line is it Anyway?”
 
These guys have been making people laugh around the globe with their improvised comedy. It’s simple – you shout it out and they act it out in a hilarious manner. The boys are back in Dubai after a sell-out run of shows last year.
 
Entry is strictly for 18 and above only. The shows are being held at the First Group Theatre, Souk Madinat, with the evening’s proceedings kicking off at 8pm.
 
Tickets are priced at Dh165, with allocated seating on first come, first serve basis. Call: 04 366 6546
 
The Laughter Factory at Courtyard by Marriott Green Community

June 9

 
Factory Productions is back with a hilarious line-up for this month, which includes the super-talented Geoff Norcott, Mandy Knight and Pete Johansson.
 
Norcott, who is one of the rare comedians who has even made it to Afghanistan to bring forth a chuckle or five, is a well-known name on the comedy circuit. His energetic performances and storming mix of observations have made him a famous face on television networks too.
 
Called “a frisky terrier on heat”, Knight is considered the dame of British stand-up comedy. The first female comedian to compere at The Comedy Store, Knight, who is a trained actress, gave up her theatre career for stand-up.
 
When asked why, she said it was due to an irrational fear of a life in fringe theatre, exploring her inner child by pretending to be an oak tree, a fridge or a tambourine.
 
Rounding up the trio is Johannson, whose acting credits could take up a book with still titles left over. The Canadian comedian, writer and actor, who has made noteworthy appearances on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend” and CTV’s “Comedy Now, CBC’s Comics,” is one to watch out for.
 
Strictly for 21 and up, the show kicks off at 9pm, with tickets costing Dh130. Call: 04 355 1862
 
Ghulam Ali Live at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium, Dubai

June 9

 
Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, along with the talented Ranjeet Rajwada from the reality show “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa”, are making their way to Dubai for a one-night performance that will put the soul back into the music for connoisseurs of sufi music.
 
Ali, who is a well-known name in Pakistan and India, took his first step in music at a tended age when he became a student of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, a master of the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music.
 
He found fame when Bollywood came calling for the song “Chupke Chupke Raat Din” in BR Chopra’s film, “Nikaah” and there has been no looking back since.
 
Organised by Orbit Events and Marketing, tickets cost Dh75, Dh200 and Dh500. Doors open 8pm, show starts 9pm. Call: 050 218 3536

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