Sarah Bretz, ContributorNorwegian Cruise Line has announced four new, original entertainment productions that will be coming to nine ships in its fleet: “Red, White, & British,” “Bring Back the 90s,” “ICONS: The Bands,” and “Ignite the Night.”
The shows will debut throughout this year and into September on Norwegian Breakaway, Encore, Epic, Escape, Gem, Getaway, Jewel, Joy, and Prima. They were created in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ Creative Studios in Tampa, Florida, and feature collaborations with highly-acclaimed creative partners.
Guided by consumer insights and direct guest feedback, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new entertainment strategy focuses on offering guests more of what they love — captivating stories, recognizable and timeless music, and visual spectacle. The new programming model provides passengers with additional access to quality entertainment, with more productions expanding outside of the main theater.
Red, White, & British
The brand-new British tribute show was developed in partnership with longtime NCL collaborator Burn the Floor, an Australian-born collective of world-renowned ballroom champions. The production celebrates iconic British musical performers and artists who have taken the U.S. airwaves by storm.
The high-energy show will also feature a “glam rock” section paying tribute to influential rock ‘n’ roll trendsetters like David Bowie and Queen, along with a dynamic video design and eye-catching costumes. To kick off the Europe summer season, “Red, White, & British” will make its debut on Norwegian Breakaway starting with the ship’s March 14th cruise following a dry dock. The show will then premiere on Norwegian Epic‘s May 14th sailing and Norwegian Prima‘s August 24th voyage.
Visionary director, Jenn Rapp, will bring the production to life. She previously served as the Associate Director of “Jersey Boys” on Norwegian Bliss and has worked on shows including “America’s Got Talent” and “The Illusionist.” Joining Rapp is NCL’s talented set designer, James Kronzer, who most notably designed sets for over 300 stand-up comedy specials across the world’s biggest streaming services like HBO and Netflix as well as for the soon-to-debut shows aboard Norwegian Aqua, “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” and “Elements: The World Expanded.” Additionally, champion dancers and longtime NCL Partners, Peta Roby and Jason Gilkison serve as Burn the Floor’s creative team who have brought “Burn the Floor” shows to life throughout the years aboard Norwegian Breakaway, Getaway, Epic, Jewel, and Prima.
Bring Back the 90s
“Bring Back the 90s,” another all-new original show, has been created by critically-acclaimed and multi-award-winning theater artist and director Scott Weinstein. The show, which is debuting on Norwegian Getaway‘s current March 2nd sailing, takes guests on a nostalgic “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired journey through iconic moments of the 90s. The show includes songs from artists like Alanis Morissette, Salt-N-Pepa, and Destiny’s Child.
As NCL’s first offering dedicated entirely to the music of the decade, this 50-minute high-energy show features dynamic vignettes that celebrate 90s fashion, pop culture, music, and memorable trends. In another exciting first for NCL, the production features a collaboration with acclaimed DJ duo The Hood Internet, who have crafted mashups that bring the era’s music to life in fresh and unexpected ways.
Choreography is by James Alonso White, known for his work with shows like “Sesame Street” and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with assistance from Nycole Altchiler, who most recently worked on Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short N’ Sweet” tour. Norwegian Getaway is currently sailing in the Caribbean from New Orleans through April, followed by Bermuda voyages from New York this summer between May and August. The show will also debut on Norwegian Joy during her July 7th Alaska sailing from Seattle where she’ll homeport through September 2025.
ICONS: The Bands
Premiering aboard Norwegian Encore during her March 30th Panama Canal cruise, “ICONS: The Bands” is an immersive concert-style experience that brings to life the hits by legendary bands that defined generations. The show will enhance the experience with tributes to the soaring harmonies, riffs, and powerful anthems of some of the greatest bands of all time.
The production will feature the nine-person cast of the ship’s guest-favorite show “Choir of Man,” ensuring great quality and high energy. The director and choreographer, Stacy Walker, whose credits include international icons from the late and great Michael Jackson and global-star Lady Gaga, will bring the production to life. The production will also premiere aboard Norwegian Escape’s May 25th Caribbean sailing from Miami.
Ignite the Night
“Ignite the Night” is debuting aboard Norwegian Jewel during the ship’s current March 2nd Caribbean cruise from Tampa. The show, choreographed by “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancer and celebrity, Britt Stewart, blends the visual appeal of television’s most iconic awards shows and red carpet events, promising an evening of high-energy excitement. “Ignite the Night” will later debut on Norwegian Gem’s Canada & New England sailings from Quebec City, Canada on Sept. 5th.
Entertainment Outside the Main Theater
Norwegian Cruise Line’s entertainment team has curated new entertainment outside of the main theater to include more cast interactions and an increase in live music throughout more venues — including an expansion into youth and family entertainment.
NCL is also surprising guests with spontaneous “Mini Moments of More” — entertainment pop-ups across its fleet. These will include flash mob performances by the pool, in dining rooms, in atriums, and more. The surprise and delight pop-ups occur every day and are a creative collaboration between the performers and Norwegian Cruise Line’s corporate entertainment team.
Comments
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