Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, has attended the opening performance of SHOWTIME! 2023, a musical showcase created by students, teachers, and staff members from across Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education schools.
Titled Musicals at the Movies, the production sees participants perform hits from shows such as Aladdin, Grease, The Sound of Music, and Anastasia, as well as debut an original song in English and Arabic by Qatari composer Dana Alfardan called Now or Never.
“SHOWTIME! 2023 has been an incredible experience, for all the students and staff members involved,” said Fatima El Mahdi, Manager of Student Enrichment, Qatar Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to the vision of Director Chris Piper and his creative team – inspiring such a high level of excellence, passion, and dedication in the performers in just two months.
“This year, we are introducing and interpreting musicals at the movies through our eyes, including an Arabic twist on four of the songs. And featuring the debut of the Arabic and English song ‘Now or Never’ by Dana Alfardan has been an incredible honour.
“Of the cast members, 44 have never been a part of musical theater before. We hope that musical theater will continue to grow in Qatar Foundation schools – and beyond. Our hearts are truly full tonight.”
Nujoud Al-Malki, one of the audience members, said: “As an aunt, seeing my nieces on stage singing and dancing with love and passion was one of the happiest moments of my life. This was amazing – I couldn't be more excited to see my nieces and their talented classmates perform in SHOWTIME! again.”
Lina Al Assaf, aged 10, attended the show to support her friend who was performing. “I have never experienced anything like SHOWTIME! before,” she said. “The energy, the music, the passion of the performers – it was all so incredible. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time - this was a night I will never forget.”
Fatima Al-Ansari, one of the audience members, said: “I never expected to see such an amazing level of talent from the Qatar Foundation students and teachers. SHOWTIME! was a complete surprise, with performances that blew me away and left me in awe. The passion and dedication of these young performers is truly inspiring.”
The creative team for the show is led by Chris Piper, with Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra providing support. SHOWTIME! is being held in the PUE Theater in Education City and concludes on 4 March.