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Join the cast of Grease at....

Where: Hartland International School, Dubai
When: from June 12 to 15, 2024
Timings: 7:30 PM daily and a 2:30 PM matinee on Saturday, June 15
Tickets: https://ticketslover.com/dubai/events/mtdxb-presents-grease.

In this episode Katheryne Nicole Alday and Stephen King interview James Mitchinson and Talya Mitchell as they share the magic behind Musical Theatre Group Dubai's upcoming production of the timeless musical "Grease." Ever wondered why "Grease" has remained a beloved classic for generations? Discover how this 1950s favorite gets a fresh, vibrant twist with local Dubai references and a diverse cast, making it a must-see performance for both theater aficionados and newbies alike.

Talya and James recount how the bonds formed during rehearsals, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, translate into palpable onstage chemistry that enchants audiences. From personal anecdotes to the joy of seeing family members participate, this episode is a testament to the enduring power of community and the arts.

Peek behind the curtain as we delve into the dynamics and demands of community theater. Get insights into the rigorous audition process, the balancing act of juggling full-time jobs with theater commitments, and the sheer dedication required to bring a production like "Grease" to life. Katheryne and our guests emphasize the cultural significance of classics like "Grease," underscoring the importance of keeping such vibrant pieces of art alive for future generations.

Also, whilst lisenting can you spot all the iconic songs we slipped into the conversation? And can you tell which of Steve or Kathrynne won the challenge? (Just for fun!)

1. Summer Nights
2. Hopelessly Devoted to You
3. Those Magic Changes
4. Beauty School Dropout
5. Tears on My Pillow
6. Look at Me I'm Sandra Dee
7. Alone at a Drive-In Movie
8. Rock N Roll Party Queen
9. Prowlin (Grease 2)
10. Charades (Grease 2)

Tune in and celebrate the spirit of musical theater with us!

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Embark on an auditory odyssey with us as Stephen King and Mikhail Skornyakov uncover the melodic intricacies of forging a career in music, in our latest interview with professional saxophonist, composer and conductor, Maksim Mintcaev.

Join us for a session resonating with insights, where every note is an invitation to explore the cadence of a creative musical career.

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The curtain rises on an enthralling discussion about theatre and acting in the UAE. With a special collab with Redbeat MDX and the arrival of Desiree Barreto to our team, we gain a deep insight into the creative minds of playwright Alex Broun and actor/producer Osman Aboubakr.

Alex Broun: https://alexbroun.com/
Osman AbubakrL https://www.osmanaboubakr.com/
Redbeat MDX: https://www.instagram.com/redbeatmagazinemdx/

Venturing into the heart of the UAE's theater scene, we cast a spotlight on the collaborative spirit that breathes life into the stage with a focus on their new play Torn which is presenting at The Junction in Al Serkal and at the QE2.

Written and directed by ALEX BROUN, often referred to as the Shakespeare of short plays, "Torn" promises audiences an unforgettable 90 minutes of theatrical experience that will challenge perceptions and stir emotions. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, the production offers a poignant reflection on the ever-shifting landscape of love in a modern world where choices are plenty, yet nothing is guaranteed.

Tickets: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/91283/torn
Torn Play: https://www.instagram.com/torn_play

Many tips for would-be playwrights, producers and actors, and a prize giveaway towards the end.

Also check:

Instagram: torn_play
Instagram: zstarsproductions

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An experiment with music podcasts. Here is a <10minute playlist of four songs I've been practicing this year:

1. Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift
2. Lift Me Up by Rihanna
3. Flowers by Miley Cyrus
4. Take My Hand by Lady Gaga

Do let me know what you think.

Arrangements and backing music from Hal Leonard, the world's largest sheet music publisher: https://www.halleonard.com/.

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Discover the truth behind the curtain of sustainability promises, as we unravel the complexity of global commitments to a sustainable future. Is the global political and corporate leadership really committed to the long haul, or are they merely ticking boxes to appease a growingly conscientious society? The episode peels back layers of international pledges, evaluating their authenticity and the robustness of mechanisms in place to ensure these are not just empty promises.

Today, we shed light on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, dissecting the shortcomings and challenges in actualizing these targets. From air quality improvement to combating climate change, the conversation critically examines the necessity of transparent monitoring and political willpower. By questioning global efforts and analyzing the potential for sincere change, we offer listeners an unfiltered perspective on the future of our planet and the projected 8.5 billion people who will call it home by 2030. Our in-depth discussion is not just an exploration but a call to accountability, underlined by the urgent need to transition from rhetoric to tangible action for a sustainable tomorrow.

Original paper;
King, S. and Paris, C.M. (2021) ‘UN sustainable development goals: a rubric to evaluate sincerity for implementing long-term sustainability pledges’, Int. J. Sustainable Society, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp.273–286

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Embarking on a PhD can be a journey fraught with decisions, but none more crucial than the choice of a supervisor. In the grand finale of our incongruent series, we reach the climax of my doctoral tale, navigating the academic landscapes of Glasgow, Exeter, Westminster, and Portsmouth to uncover a mentor who will not only steer my research ship but also be the beacon for future groundbreaking studies.

Switching gears, we tackle the oft-overlooked reality of the academic wallet, scrutinizing UK lecturer salaries through the lens of the single-pay spine and dissecting the financial anatomy of deductions and location-based variances - contrasting the monetary climates of Scotland and London.

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Embark on an academic voyage with us as we dissect the daunting financial mountains aspiring scholars must climb. Episode 4 of 'The Incongruent' peels back the layers on the high costs of PhDs and DBAs, and contrasts them with the more wallet-friendly doctorates by publishing or thesis. Our conversation doesn't just spotlight the price tags; we also tackle the often-ignored barriers to accessing necessary data sources, an undercurrent that can make or break research endeavors. If you've ever wondered just how deep you'd have to dig into your pockets or how far you'd have to journey for data to advance your scholarly ambitions, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

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Embark on a journey of discovery with us as we investigate the practicalities of academic research and its implications for real-world business challenges. Our latest installment of the PhD pursuit series promises insight into the intricacies of proposing a study that's not only manageable but also fraught with the potential for fascinating results. Amidst the labyrinth of academic approvals and timelines, we examine the necessity of aligning research with teaching schedules and industry benchmarks, ensuring that the quest for knowledge is both efficient and effective.