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Amar, Akbar, Ann-Toni - a rib-tickling entertainer

DUBAI - Theatre lovers in Dubai were in for a treat yesterday as they watched a well-crafted romantic comedy written and directed by veteran comedian Dinyar Contractor and produced by Sangeeta Bijlani at the Emirates Auditorium of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai.

The second show is scheduled for tomorrow at 8pm. Being staged for the first time in Dubai, Amar, Akbar, Ann-Toni is a fast paced, hilarious and boisterously entertaining comedy in Hindi and English, highlighting on the philanderous ways of modern couples in an urban scenario.

The twist in the play starts when the two-timing Amar begins cheating on his wife to spend some time with his girlfriend Pooja. That too at his best friend Akbar's flat.

It's all plain sailing until Akbar's wife returns too soon from a business trip from Dubai and puts the cat among the pigeons. From then on, it is sheer complications and permutations, that keep the audience on its toes with all its ridiculously funny moments. The play is a must-see as it packs in all the ingredients that make for an entertaining comedy. A strong architecture and sizzling on-stage stage interaction ensures that there is no glitch or out-of-sync situation. In fact, the production is crafted in such a manner that it encourages the audience to let go and laugh loud instead of snigger. Mr Contractor weaves the masala of deceit, deception and mistaken identity in a skilful manner, keeping the laughter rolling non-stop throughout the one-and-a-half hour play.

The versatile and young cast consisting of Paritosh Painter, Resham Seth, Aparna Rao and Ritu Gambo is what makes the story come alive and reach out to a wider audience. Mr Contractor's abilities as a comedian par excellence also extends to his direction.

Speaking at a Press conference earlier yesterday, Mr Contractor and the cast of the play described the audience in Dubai as "fantastic and fun-loving" and hoped that the audience would love every minute of the play. Amar, Akbar, Ann-Toni is sponsored by Marmum in association with Western Union Money Transfer and 106.2 Hum FM and supported by Lipton, Cathay Pacific and Khaleej Times. The tickets are priced at Dh150, Dh120 and Dh75.

• UAE