Musical theatre has long held a unique place in the performing arts, fusing voice, visuals, and movement into immersive live experiences. In the Arab world, this art form has a rich history, from early works composed by the Egyptian composer Sayed Darwish like El Sheikh We Banat Elkahraba and El Ashra El Tayeba, to the timeless Fairuz musical Auliban, the Seller of Jokes. 

Today, a new generation of productions is building on that foundation, infusing the art form with fresh vision, contemporary narratives, and a distinctly Arab voice. Across the region, creators are staging ambitious new works that blend music, acting, choreography, and cultural identity to captivate modern audiences. Below we are spotlighting a few of the standout works that are reigniting interest in this rich, multidimensional art form.

Lena Chamamyan Pays Tribute to Asmahan

In a new musical production, Syrian-Armenian singer Lena Chamamyan steps into the life of legendary singer Asmahan in ASMAHAN. The show will premiere in London on June 16 and 17, 2025, at The Peacock Theatre. Featuring live vocals, orchestral music, and choreographed performances, the bilingual show (in Arabic and English) bridges past and present, tradition and innovation.

In an interview with Billboard Arabia, Chamamyan reflected on her personal connection to Asmahan, saying she sees her own journey mirrored in the late star’s story - as a woman who traveled across countries in pursuit of her dream to sing, and was on a mission to show a true representation of the region. 

The show includes iconic songs like “Ya Toyour” and “Layali el unse fi Vienna,” reinterpreted with Chamamyan’s signature style. Audiences can also expect symbolic references to Asmahan’s brother, the legendary Farid Al Atrash.

Carole Samaha Shines in ‘Kello Masmouh (Anything Goes)’

Between May 12–17, 2025, Lebanese star Carole Samaha took on a new role in Kello Masmouh, the Arabic adaptation of the Broadway classic Anything Goes, composed by Cole Porter. Performed at Casino du Liban, the show saw Samaha portray Yasmina in a high-energy musical that brought together romance, comedy, and Broadway spirit - all in Arabic.

Written and directed by Roy ElKhouri and produced by Nayla El Khoury, the large-scale production featured extravagant costumes, intricate choreography performed by 20 dancers, and a live orchestra. 

According to the official social media pages of the musical, Kello Masmouh is set to continue its journey with upcoming shows at the prestigious Beiteddine Festival in Lebanon.

Made in Kuwait: Where Theatre Meets Advertising

Musicals have long played a central role in the Gulf’s artistic scene, but today’s productions are exploring new formats and themes - including commercial storytelling. One example is Made in Kuwait, a 2024 musical staged at the Kuwait Boxing Union Hall, blending comedy with a branded message for KDD, a popular regional food and beverage brand.

Featuring a star-studded cast that included Shujoun Al-Hajri and Abdullah Boushahri, the show quickly gained traction online. However, it also stirred debate. Some critics dismissed it as lacking depth or cultural authenticity, while others praised its innovative format. Regardless of the mixed reactions, the show highlights a shift in audience expectations—viewers now crave more meaningful content, richer scripts, and creative storytelling that extends beyond surface-level entertainment.

Marwan Nagy Brings Umm Kulthum to Life in Egypt’s First Hologram Musical 

Musical theater has long been a cornerstone of Egypt’s artistic heritage, with operettas and musicals flourishing on its stages since the early 20th century. But this production marks the first of its kind to portray the life of the legendary Umm Kulthum in a theatrical musical using hologram technology, blending live drama, music, and visual performance on the historic stage of Cairo’s Qasr El Nil Theater. 

Renowned singer Marwa Nagy takes on the role of Umm Kulthum in this exceptional production titled Sawt w Soura (Sound and Image), which brings to life key moments from the singer’s journey through song, storytelling, and grand orchestral arrangements. The production is led by maestro Ehab Abdel Hamid, and written by Mohamed Zaki and directed by Mostafa Zaki, the show is produced by HIVE Studio. The musical premiered Thursday, May 29 in Cairo, following its acclaimed success in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and during Riyadh Season.

Broadway in the Arab World 

On another note, The Phantom of the Opera took place in Riyadh in October 2023, bringing one of Broadway’s most iconic productions to the Saudi capital. Drawing thousands of attendees, the event was part of a broader initiative by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to elevate cultural experiences, in line with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program—designed to enrich life for residents and visitors alike through top-notch entertainment.

Later this year, Beetlejuice—inspired by Tim Burton’s cult classic—will take the stage in Abu Dhabi in November, further expanding the presence of globally celebrated musical theatre across the region.