How Roy Elkhouri is Transforming Musical Theatre in the Middle East
Roy Elkhouri is not just a performer—he is a trailblazer, a visionary, and a driving force behind the rise of musical theatre in the Middle East. From stepping into a Broadway theatre in New York for the first time to adapting world-renowned musicals into Arabic, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
With a deep passion for storytelling through acting, singing, and dancing, Roy has dedicated his career to making Broadway-style theatre accessible to Arabic-speaking audiences. His groundbreaking productions, including Chicago the Musical in Arabic and Majnoun Leila, have revolutionized the theatre scene in Lebanon, proving that the region is ready for large-scale musical performances.
But behind the applause and standing ovations lies a story of struggle, perseverance, and a relentless commitment to his dream.
A Broadway Dream That Started in New York
Roy’s love for musical theatre was ignited the moment he stepped into a Broadway theatre in New York. The electrifying energy of the performers, the powerful storytelling, and the sheer magic of the stage left an unforgettable mark on him.
Determined to turn his passion into a career, he pursued his studies at New York Film Academy (NYFA) / Broadway New York, where he trained alongside top industry professionals. This experience shaped his artistic vision and fueled his dream of bringing the grandeur of Broadway to Lebanon.
But choosing musical theatre as a career was not an easy path. Unlike in New York or London, where Broadway and West End thrive, Lebanon had no established industry for large-scale musicals. Instead of seeing this as a setback, Roy saw it as an opportunity—to build something from the ground up and create a lasting cultural impact.
Breaking Barriers: Building a Musical Theatre Industry in Lebanon
In 2015, Roy took his first step toward realizing his dream by staging One Night on Broadway, a production that showcased Broadway’s greatest hits. The show introduced Lebanese audiences to the magic of musical theatre, but it also exposed the challenges of establishing a new art form in the region.
Despite limited resources, skepticism from traditional theatre circles, and the difficulty of training performers to master the “triple threat” (acting, singing, and dancing), Roy remained undeterred. He pushed forward, proving that musical theatre had a future in Lebanon.
The real breakthrough came in 2018 with Majnoun Leila, the first Broadway-style musical performed entirely in Arabic. The success of the show shattered doubts and opened doors for more productions, paving the way for Arabic adaptations of globally acclaimed musicals.
Chicago the Musical: A Landmark Achievement
Roy’s most celebrated work came with his adaptation of Chicago the Musical into Arabic, a production that earned critical acclaim and even caught the attention of The New York Times.
Adapting such an iconic musical was no easy feat. From translating the dialogue and lyrics into Arabic while preserving their original essence to training performers to deliver Broadway-caliber performances, every aspect required precision and artistry.
The result? A sold-out theatrical sensation that not only entertained but also proved that Broadway-caliber musicals could thrive in Lebanon. This achievement solidified Roy’s status as a pioneer in the region’s performing arts scene.
Anything Goes Arabia: The Next Big Step
Now, Roy is working on his most ambitious project yet—Anything Goes Arabia, an Arabic adaptation of the classic Cole Porter musical. This production marks another milestone in his career, as it features the highly anticipated return of Carole Samaha, a beloved Lebanese singer and actress.
More than just another musical, Anything Goes Arabia represents Roy’s vision of establishing a sustainable and thriving musical theatre industry in the Middle East. By bringing international productions to Arabic-speaking audiences, he is not only entertaining but also creating opportunities for local talent to shine on a grand stage.
The Struggles Behind the Success
Despite his achievements, Roy’s journey has not been without challenges. From securing funding for large-scale productions to convincing audiences and investors of the potential of musical theatre, every step has required persistence.
One of the biggest struggles has been changing mindsets—proving that musical theatre is not just for Western audiences but can be embraced by Arabic-speaking cultures.
Roy has also had to wear multiple hats—acting as a writer, director, choreographer, and performer—all while ensuring that every production meets the highest artistic standards. His ability to push boundaries, innovate, and stay committed to his vision is what sets him apart.
A Legacy of Inspiration for Future Generations
For Roy, success is not just about personal achievements—it’s about leaving a lasting impact. He hopes to inspire young performers, writers, and directors to pursue their dreams fearlessly, knowing that artistic excellence can be achieved even in places where the industry is still developing.
Through his work, he is not only shaping the future of theatre in Lebanon but also proving that big dreams can be realized anywhere in the world with hard work, vision, and perseverance.
What’s Next for Roy Elkhouri?
Roy’s journey is far from over. Here’s what he’s built — and where he’s headed next:
What He’s Already Achieved:
- Launched his own Performing Arts Academy, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of actors, singers, and dancers in the region.
- Created his first original musical “Majnoun Leila” in 2018, a bold step toward blending Arab storytelling with modern musical theatre.
What’s Next:
- Expanding musical theatre in the Middle East by developing more Arabic adaptations of iconic Broadway productions.
- Producing more original musicals that reflect Arab identity, heritage, and contemporary themes.
- Leading international collaborations to bring Middle Eastern talent to global stages and cultural platforms.
With every production, Roy is building a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Roy’s Advice to Aspiring Performers
Looking back at his journey, Roy shares a powerful message for young artists:
“Trust the process, stay patient, and never be afraid to dream big. Mistakes are part of the journey—they shape you. Keep learning, keep pushing boundaries, and never settle for anything less than excellence. If you believe in your vision, the world will too.”
Final Thoughts: A True Game-Changer in Musical Theatre
Roy Elkhouri is not just creating musicals—he is redefining what’s possible in the Middle East’s theatre scene. His work is a powerful reminder that passion, talent, and determination can break barriers and transform industries.
As he continues his mission to bring Broadway to the Arabic-speaking world, one thing is clear—Roy Elkhouri’s impact on musical theatre is only just beginning. Do follow him on Instagram.
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