Don't Miss 'A Dream of Arabia' U.S. Premiere!

By: May. 20, 2008
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A Dream of Arabia
 Premieres
June 12-15
at Lund Auditorium

A Dream of Arabia makes its highly anticipated United States premiere June 12-15, 2008 at Lund Auditorium, 7900 W. Division Street, River Forest, Illinois.  

As two US led wars rage on in the Middle East and Americans try to grasp the cultural differences driving much of the conflict, a new theatrical production attempts to clear up misconceptions and build a bridge across the expansive cultural divide that so often hinders tolerance between Middle Eastern and Western societies.

A Dream of Arabia marks the first time a theatrical rendition of authentic Middle Eastern dance will appear on-stage in the United States. The brain child of Bashar B. Barazi, founder of MAQAM, the world's largest producer and distributor of Arabic and Middle Eastern media, A Dream of Arabia offers insight into traditional Middle Eastern dance and music. Envisioning a post-performance audience more educated and hopeful than when they walked in the door, this dream embarks on a spectacular journey utilizing the universal language of music and dance.  

Critics call it a "Majestic fusion of dance and theater", and dance luminaries describe it as "Spectacular", and "Like a Middle Eastern 'Riverdance'". A Dream of Arabia, a one-of-a-kind show featuring stunning authentic Middle Eastern dance and music, has captured audiences around the world and comes to Chicago for an exclusive limited engagement. With an international cast of 21 renowned dancers, it is the first theatrical, Broadway-style production of its kind.

For more information, visit the official web site www.adreamofarabia.com. Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at 708-488-5000. Free parking is included. 

Official Web Site: www.adreamofarabia.com

Show Facts:
➢    First ever Broadway style theatrical production of Middle Eastern dance
➢    First ever all-woman cast representing the cultures of the Middle East and North Africa
➢    Cast of 21 dancers
➢    Traveling crew of over 50
➢    Number of costume changes – 141
➢    Average costume changes per minute – 2
➢    Sets designed to authentically recreate scenes, ruins, and settings in the Middle East. 

o    Chicago artists commissioned to hand-paint the sets on canvas to match the actual color of sand, rock, greenery, and other scenic details from the Middle East (based on photography done for the show in the region)

o    In Act 2, 4 columns are being hand painted to accurately replicate the iconic "Six Columns" of Baalbeck.


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