Through
the years, cruise lines have become better and better and giving guests “the
old razzle dazzle” – that is, the magic of live theater performance. With
beautiful, technology-laden venues and top-notch talent, onboard productions truly
rival those on New York’s Broadway or London’s West End. Here are just some of
the shows at sea that have been knocking the socks off audiences.
Wherever
you might sail on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, the ship’s
production of “Mamma Mia!” will have you convinced you’re in the Greek Isles,
where the sweet story of love across the generations takes place. Your inner dancing
queen (we all have one) will love it. The musical productions on other Royal
Caribbean ships include “CATS,” “Grease” and “We Will Rock You.”
The
amazing (and true) story of the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four
Seasons, “Jersey Boys” is an emotional journey set to the group’s greatest hits
of the 1960s and 1970s. Featured on the Norwegian Bliss, the show’s documentary
style and innovative four-season structure make it easy to see why “Jersey Boys”
won the Tony Award for Best Musical. You can also catch these shows on other
Norwegian Cruise Line ships: “Rock of Ages,” “Burn the Floor,” and “Priscilla,
Queen of the Desert.”
Disney’s
“Tangled,” an animated film based on the fairy tale “Rapunzel,” has been
transformed into a live-action production that’s the featured musical aboard
the Disney Magic. There appears to be some magic involved in the show’s
beautiful special effects, part of the stellar production values you expect
from any Disney endeavor. On other Disney ships, you can enjoy musicals like “Beauty
and the Beast,” “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular,” and “Disney’s Aladdin.”
While
“The Secret Silk” hasn’t been on Broadway, it’s got the chops. Created just for
Princess Cruises by Stephen Schwartz, an award-winning composer of shows like “Wicked”
and “Godspell,” this Royal Princess show is based on a Japanese fable.
You’ll love the songs, dances, puppetry and special effects. Other Princess
ships feature the original, Broadway-style shows “Rock Opera” and “5-SKIES.”
Before
you make a cruise reservation expecting to see a specific musical production,
check with your professional travel advisor to be sure the show will be going
on when you sail. And, some of the shows mentioned here require advance
reservations – Anita, your travel advisor, can give advice on the best way to
snag a seat.
