WHY IT RATES: Travel agents selling cruise options to clients who value onboard entertainment should check out the new show running on the Royal Princess.-Donald Wood, Breaking News Senior Writer.
Princess Cruises celebrated the premiere of "The Secret Silk," the newest offering from its first-of-its-kind partnership with Stephen Schwartz, the Oscar-, Grammy- and Tony Award-winning composer of "Wicked," "Godspell," and "Pippin."
Joining Schwartz aboard Royal Princess for the premiere was the Tony Award-nominated director/creator John Tartaglia ("Avenue Q," "Shrek").
The Secret Silk is a story of an Asian folkloric tale with a contemporary spin, featuring inspired performances through the use of music, dance, puppetry and special effects. Adapted from the ancient fable "The Grateful Crane," the story features Lan, a beautiful, selfless young woman who possesses a magical gift, secretly creating brilliant silk fabrics.
Audiences will be introduced to original life-size puppetry from Jim Henson's Creature Shop and an original song, "Sing to the Sky," both created exclusively for the production.
Overseeing the creative development of four entertainment shows for Princess Cruises, Schwartz brings together an illustrious team of Broadway talent to support the productions through direction and design.
"The Secret Silk" is created and directed by Tartaglia. In addition to Royal Princess, it will be rolled out on Island Princess for the 2018 summer Alaska season, and Diamond Princess in winter 2018, sailing year-round Japan.
Additional creative team talent includes choreography by Shannon Lewis ("Fosse"), scenic design by Tony Award nominee Anna Louizos ("School of Rock"), costumes by Tony Award winner Clint Ramos ("Eclipsed"), and music direction from Brad Ellis ("Glee").
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