Grease the musical for Royal Caribbean International's cruise ships
THE hit musical Grease will debut on Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Harmony of the Seas, when it launches next May
The West end hit will be performed on Royal Caribbean International ships
The West End blockbuster will also be staged from July onboard Independence of the Seas,
which will have Southampton as its homeport for the summer from May.
The new production will be a never seen before version, specially adapted for Royal Caribbean, and it will be on stage three times a week so every passengers has a chance to see it. Cast auditions took place in London in November, where three quarters of the cast were recruited, with New York auditions taking place in January.
Harmony of the Seas Preview - Behind-the-Scenes- Grease - Royal Caribbean Int'l - New Cruise Ship
Grease is the seventh Broadway production that Royal Caribbean has adapted for its fleet, with others including Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You. Nick Weir, Head of Entertainment, said: "The Broadway production of Grease is renowned as the best, and this is the seventh Broadway production we have added to a Royal Caribbean ship.
To have the support of award-winning theatre legends, ensuring the calibre of production onboard will rival any Broadway or West End production
"To have the support of award-winning theatre legends, ensuring the calibre of production onboard will rival any Broadway or West End production, is testament to the quality of entertainment we provide for our guests."
This new production of Grease will be staged by award-winning director and choreographer, Karen Bruce.
Karen won an Olivier Award for her Choreography of Pacific Overtures at the Donmar Warehouse and Best Choreographer at Premios del Teatro Musical for her work on Saturday Night Fever.
Auditions being held for Grease
The team are confident that their Danny will be a hit
Intensive rehearsals begin in Miami next February in preparation for summer itineraries in the Mediterranean, before the ships relocate to Miami for Caribbean cruises from autumn.
Christi Coachman-Orengo, Director for Royal Caribbean Entertainment, added: "The standard of talent at the auditions was incredibly high and many of the cast chosen have performed in the West End.
"We've found a Danny who the audience will fall in love with. He is suave and charming," said Christi of Nick Hayes, who won the lead role.
"We have selected the perfect cast to deliver these critical roles and it will be nothing short of exhilarating to see them perform together on stage."
Harmony of the Seas under construction
Choreographer Karen Bruce said: "The key difference between casting for the West End and for Royal Caribbean is versatility."The cast need to be great for the role they are auditioning for but we were also looking for people that can transfer to the other onboard productions perfectly, too."It is more than just finding great singers, dancers and actors - our cast have to be able to do all three at the highest level with presence worthy of the Royal Caribbean stage.."
Harmony of the Seas will be the world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in Southampton next May.
The new cruise ship's huge propellers
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas will have a "bow-to-stern" refurbishment this spring ready for the summer season.
There will ne 24 new outside and balcony cabins and a new two-bedroom family suite, plus a new outdoor cinema screen next to the pool and super-fast VOOM Wi-Fi throughout the ship.
New restaurants will include Izumi and Giovanni's Table, and there will be a new Vintages wine bar onboard.
For more information about itineraries go to www.royalcaribbean.co.uk.