Cartoon characters to appear on stage

This Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), as part of the Modhesh Stage Shows, cartoon characters will be appearing on stage in shows in Dubai. For fans of the spinach-strengthened sailor man, Popeye show will be staged at the Modhesh Fun City between June 19 to 25.

Popeye and the rest of his cast, incluing his leading lady, Olive Oyl, his adopted baby, Swee' Pea, his arch rival, Brutus and the hungry, hamburger-crazed Wimpy. The Popeye show is expected to be a riot of laughs for young and old alike.

The sailor who sets everything right and encourages fair play, Popeye first appeared in print in 1929. Popeye is the creation of cartoonist Elzie Segar. Although initially a side character in a cartoon series called 'Thimble Theatre', Popeye became a raging success on his own.

His foray on animated television happened in 1933. Since then, there has been no looking back for this spinach aided superhero.

He has even been portrayed in a live-action musical motion picture, with Robin Williams (Jumanji, Dead Poets Society) playing the role of Popeye. This cartoon character was the first to be awarded the honour of having a statue erected in his image, in 1933.

Incredibly, the spinach growers industry of USA credited Popeye with single handedly raising the spinach consumption in the country by 33 per cent.

Modhesh Fun City would be open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 3:00pm to 10:00 pm on Fridays . Entry charges Dh5 per child and Dh10 per adult.