Under the dazzling lights of Dubai’s ever-growing arts scene, a new musical is set to make history. Once Upon a Time in Dubai is more than just a production; it is a celebration of the city’s diverse cultures, a melting pot of music, dance, and storytelling that mirrors the heartbeat of Dubai itself. At the helm of this ambitious project is Johan Nus, a Parisian director with a passion for musical theatre, and among the talented cast is Omar Dean, an Australian-Lebanese actor whose journey to this stage has been years in the making.
As they sit down to talk about the musical, there is an unmistakable sense of excitement in the air. The journey to this moment has been anything but easy, but for both men, it is one that has been worth every step.
For Johan Nus, the biggest challenge in bringing Once Upon a Time in Dubai to life was assembling the right talent. “It all starts with the people,” he explains. “Finding the right voices, the right energy is everything. And I think we’ve gathered some truly incredible talents here.” His confidence is clear. He knows that the success of a musical lies not just in its story, but in the people who bring it to life.
Omar Dean, for one, is living proof of that belief. For him, stepping onto this stage is the culmination of a dream he has nurtured since childhood. “I’ve been working for something like this since I was 12 years old,” he says, his voice tinged with emotion. “I actually sent my mom a video of the song and they’ve been crying all day. It means the world to my family and to me.” He turns to Johan. “And I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
For Johan, the love of musical theatre runs deep. Born and raised in Paris, a city where art and music flow through the streets, he has been steeped in the magic of storytelling from a young age. “I produced a musical ten years ago in Paris called Robin Hood. It had a million spectators,” he recalls. “And then I came to Dubai and thought, My God, there’s no musical theatre here. We have to change that.”
With Once Upon a Time in Dubai, he sees not just a performance but a movement that could open doors for a new wave of musical productions in the region. “It’s the right project, at the right moment, in the right place,” he says with certainty.
Dubai is a city of many cultures, and Johan knew that the cast of this musical had to reflect that. Looking at the ensemble, he sees a representation of the city itself, “We have people from the UK, Lebanon, Morocco, India,” he says. “Unfortunately, not many French actors this time. Maybe in the next show!” He laughs, but his passion for inclusivity is unmistakable.
Every musical has its defining moment, the one that lingers in the minds of audiences long after the final curtain falls. In Once Upon a Time in Dubai, that moment for Omar comes in the second act. “There’s a scene called Diwali,” Omar shares. “It lasts ten to twelve minutes, and it’s pure energy. There’s dances, colors everywhere, music that just sweeps you up. It’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Completely crazy, in the best way possible, and I think everyone is going to love it.” His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear that this performance will be one to watch.
With a scene like Diwali, Bollywood inevitably comes up in conversation. Johan smiles at the mention. “My wife knows all the Bollywood movies by heart,” he says. “She’s a huge fan, especially of Shah Rukh Khan. If he ever comes to Dubai, then we will invite him to the premiere for sure.”
As the conversation comes to a close, one thing is clear, Once Upon a Time in Dubai is more than just a musical. It is a reflection of a city that thrives on diversity, ambition, and the power of dreams. And for those lucky enough to witness it, it promises to be an experience like no other.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]