The celebrated Magic on Ice show will be the star attraction of the Summer in Abu Dhabi Festival, organisers announced yesterday. The brainchild of the magician Steve Wheeler, the production combines modern dance, spectacle and illusion with striking lighting, special effects and music. "The show takes the audience into the mystifying world of the grand illusion," said Faisal al Sheikh, head of the events section of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which is sponsoring the festival.
"It will feature the original, award-winning production, combining the elegance and beauty of world-class figure skating, the baffling intrigue of grand illusion and the artistry of the performing arts." Mr al Sheikh added in a written statement: "This is the chance to see the creativity of a master magician at work." Mr Wheeler has been performing magic shows on ice since 1982, according to his company's website. Since then, he has entertained more than 10 million people in over 200 cities.
The Summer in Abu Dhabi Festival, now in its second year at the air-conditioned National Exhibition Centre, will run from July 1 to August 15 and is expected to attract more than 150,000 children and adults. Themed sections will cater to children and teenagers with everything from "story time" and education-based entertainment to gigantic jungle gyms and amusement park rides. Bowling, go-karts, ski simulators and archery are included this year for the first time.
The tourism authority said it hoped the festival would eventually increase the number of visitors from the Gulf during the traditionally slow summer months. Summer in Abu Dhabi will be open from 2pm to 10pm on weekdays, and to midnight on weekends. Tickets can be bought at the door, but prices for the festival have not yet been released. Magic on Ice will be performed at the ice rink at Zayed Sports City at 8pm each day from August 1 to 15, except on August 9. Tickets, costing Dh200 (US$54) for adults and Dh75 for children under 12, can be bought at www.timeouttickets.com, or by calling 800 4669.
jgerson@thenational.ae