On with the Show: Disney Cruise Line Offers Broadway-style Live Productions

Filed in: Entertainment

CELEBRATION, Fla. — Disney Cruise Line developed entertainment designed to charm and dazzle the entire family. At the magnificent Walt Disney Theatre, guests delight in the most elaborate original Broadway-style musicals presented at sea.

‘Disney The Little Mermaid’ – Disney Wish

“Disney The Little Mermaid” is an original Broadway-style stage adaptation of the renowned 1989 Disney Animation film, developed exclusively for the Disney Wish. During this one-of-a-kind theatrical production, audiences rediscover the iconic scenes, acclaimed music and indelible characters of “The Little Mermaid” while experiencing the story like never before.

In this modern-day retelling, the curtain rises on an enchanted treasure chest at the moment it is discovered by a group of storytellers, led by a special young woman who has the power to unlock its magic. As they uncover the whozits and whatzits galore hidden within the trunk, the storytellers take on the roles of Ariel, Ursula, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Flounder and more, bringing to life the immersive undersea world right before guests’ eyes. These exemplary performers put their own contemporary spin on the timeless story of a young woman’s search for independence, love and a place in the world.

“Disney The Little Mermaid” features innovative theatrical design, dazzling special effects, artistic choreography, and a reimagined script and score full of surprises for guests of all ages.

‘Disney Seas the Adventure’ – Disney Wish

On their first night aboard this enchanted ship, Disney Wish guests embark on a musical voyage into some of their favorite stories during an original musical spectacular, “Disney Seas the Adventure.” When Captain Minnie hands over the helm to her dear friend Goofy, he sets sail into uncharted waters on a journey to discover his own inner captain.

Along the way, Goofy encounters a bevy of bold, brave and brilliant Disney and Pixar friends who encourage him to lead with his heart through rousing renditions of iconic Disney songs.

The adventure culminates in a cavalcade of characters joining Captain Minnie and Goofy on stage during a fond farewell before leading guests out of the theater and into the Grand Hall for an unforgettable sendoff experience — the ultimate “kiss goodnight” to close guests’ first day on board.

“Beauty and the Beast” Live Stage Show – Disney Dream

A tale as old as time takes the stage with “Beauty and the Beast,” a musical production inspired by Disney’s live-action adaptation of the animated classic. The show expands upon the most imaginative elements of the highly anticipated live-action and classic films to delight Disney Cruise Line guests exclusively aboard the Disney Dream.

Audiences once again fall in love with the enchanting fairytale as they embark on a sweeping journey to discover the power of transformation through true love and courage. This new production of “Beauty and the Beast” celebrates the romance, adventure and magic of the live-action film, weaving in the charm and nostalgia of the award-winning animated feature.

“Beauty and the Beast” brings the timeless fable to life like never before, featuring a style of theater that interlaces classic storytelling elements with cutting-edge technology. An innovative take on the story transforms renowned songs into spectacular, show-stopping numbers, and lavish costumes and puppetry bring a fresh perspective to beloved characters.

“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” – Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder

For the “first time in forever,” the beloved animated hit “Frozen” got the Disney Cruise Line theatrical treatment as a stage show. On the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wonder, the story is presented like never before with an innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy.

“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” follows the captivating adventure of royal sisters Anna and Elsa as they embark on a journey to discover the meaning of sisterhood, inner strength and true love. Fans of the film and newcomers alike will be enchanted by favorite characters brought to life onstage along with beautiful renditions of the movie’s iconic music.

The show features dynamic costumes and sets, remarkable special effects and spectacular production numbers that delight Disney Cruise Line guests in new and surprising ways. The creative disciplines blend to create a seamless environment – blurring the lines between costume and scenic, set piece and video, puppet and puppeteer – and expand upon the most imaginative elements of the film.

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” – Disney Wish, Disney Fantasy

“Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” takes the stage on the Disney Wish and the Disney Fantasy. During this Broadway-style production, guests laugh along with the wise-cracking Genie and the characters from the classic animated Disney film “Aladdin.”

In this fast-paced musical comedy, Aladdin is back as the “street rat” of Agrabah meeting a Genie who grants him three wishes, battling the evil Jafar and falling in love with Princess Jasmine.

Classic scenes and songs from the movie are re-created on stage – and some of the action even spills out into the aisles, like Prince Ali’s jubilant arrival in Agrabah on the back of a stallion.

Many of the songs from the movie are featured in the 45-minute musical production, including “Friend Like Me,” which is performed as a lively, Las Vegas-style production number featuring special effects, illusions and more than a dozen dancing genies. Composer Alan Menken, who created the original soundtrack with songwriters Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, composed an original song for the stage production entitled “To Be Free.”

“Tangled: The Musical” – Disney Magic

Endearing characters and captivating music from the animated film “Tangled” are enchanting audiences once again. This time they’re part of an original Disney Cruise Line stage spectacular exclusively aboard the Disney Magic, the first time the beloved Disney tale has been adapted for the stage.

“Tangled: The Musical” immerses audiences in Rapunzel’s fairytale world through lavish production numbers and spellbinding music. Three new songs created exclusively for the show by Academy Award-winning composer Alan Menken and Grammy Award-winning lyricist Glenn Slater bring the story to life onstage.

The story follows the thrilling adventure of Rapunzel as she escapes the confines of her tower and the clutches of Mother Gothel, who wishes to shield the secret of Rapunzel’s magical golden tresses and royal roots. Rapunzel strikes up an unlikely friendship with the suave, crown-stealing bandit Flynn Rider, and together they face ruffians, thugs and a budding romance on a hair-raising journey filled with classic Disney playfulness and whimsy that will delight audiences of all ages.

“Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story” – Disney Magic

With a swish of a wand, several Bibbidi Bobbidi Boos and the turning of storybook pages, the enchanting stage show aboard the Disney Magic — “Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story” — immerses audiences in a new rendition of the happily ever after story of Cinderella and her Prince Charming.

With the story beginning where the original ended — during the wedding celebration of Cinderella and Prince Charming — good fortune takes a turn when a new character, evil Fairy Godfather Franco DiFortunato, enters the picture on behalf of Lady Tremaine, Cinderella’s stepmother. Granting Lady Tremaine’s wish, he sends the family back in time to break Cinderella’s glass slipper, thus destroying her chances of marrying the prince and writing a whole new story for Cinderella.

The 52-minute production features a rich musical score with six original compositions and two classic Disney songs including the beloved “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” With an accomplished cast, lavish costumes, elaborate set designs and special effects that cleverly turn back the pages of time, the combination seamlessly transitions the show from scene to scene.

The book, music and lyrics for “Twice Charmed” were written by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, whose Broadway musical “First Date” has been produced in over 100 productions all around the world.

“Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic” – Disney Magic, Disney Wonder

On the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, guests delight in this musical about the power of dreams and family, starring a cavalcade of Disney characters. Enjoy a touching story about a little girl named Anne Marie who can’t seem to find it in her heart to believe. The story begins one night as Anne Marie, almost asleep, is visited by several beloved Disney characters. Each recounts a tale, complete with rousing renditions of treasured songs.

Guests journey with Anne Marie as she learns how to believe in herself and delight as Mickey, Minnie, The Blue Fairy, Peter Pan and friends reveal the secret powers of the heroes residing within her own home – and heart. This live stage show features a dazzling procession of characters and songs from some all-time Disney classics.

“Disney’s Believe” – Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy

“Disney’s Believe” on the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream is a stage spectacular that combines a heartfelt story with a captivating musical score. The lavish production tells the story of a workaholic father who, through the power of Disney magic, reconnects with his daughter and learns a valuable lesson about what is important in life.

“Disney’s Believe” takes guests to the garden of Dr. Cornelius Greenaway, a brilliant botanist obsessed with cultivating his precious plants. Dr. Greenaway is so preoccupied with his garden that he overlooks the birthday of his daughter, Sophia. Saddened, Sophia makes a special birthday wish and the impossible happens: Genie from Disney’s “Aladdin” appears to make her wish come true.

Joined by a host of characters, Genie takes Dr. Greenaway on an enchanting journey into the world of Disney stories. Through spirited production numbers, Dr. Greenaway learns that magic is real and is embodied in his beloved daughter.

“The Golden Mickeys” – Disney Dream, Disney Wonder

On the Disney Dream and the Disney Wonder, “The Golden Mickeys” celebrates the musical heritage of Disney animated films, immersing guests in all the glamour and excitement of a Hollywood awards gala. On the Disney Dream, the show gets an extra sprinkle of glitz and glamour with additional musical numbers, enhanced technology and dazzling special effects.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent.