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Norwegian Aqua.
March 24, 2025.
The new Norwegian Aqua is one thing to behold, with new thrilling actions just like the aqua-coaster (sure, a rollercoaster and waterslide in a single!), glow courts, tranquil sundecks and 10 p.c extra out of doors house than every other ship within the Norwegian fleet. But the jewel within the crown of the Aqua is the “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” theatrical spectacular.
Conceived and choreographed by famend Broadway choreographer Patricia Wilcox, Revolution pays tribute to the legendary artist Prince, showcasing his music, style, power and essence.
Revolution is a testomony to Norwegian Cruise Line’s dedication to delivering world-class, one-of-a-kind leisure at sea. The present is a part of the broader leisure choices on the Norwegian Aqua, which additionally contains “Elements: The World Expanded,” an enhanced model of one in all Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s (NCLH) highest-rated productions.
When talking with Bryan White, Vice President of Entertainment Production, on board Aqua’s inaugural voyage, White explains, “We don’t think about cruise entertainment. We think about global entertainment, because the entertainment offerings that we have on our ships could be on Broadway, Vegas, the West End – we are thinking globally. We’re interested in what’s new and what’s next all around the world. What’s relevant, what’s compelling, and what’s valuable? We want guests to say, ‘Wow, that was a one-of-a-kind. I’m never going to get that anywhere else!’”
Revolution is definitely one-of-a-kind. The present is introduced within the gorgeous Aqua Theater & Club which permits company to both watch from conventional theater seating or be a part of the forged on the dance ground for a concert-like expertise.
The present’s visionary and choreographer Patti Wilcox says, “I wanted the show to be immersive from the beginning. Prince is immersive! And when seeing what the capabilities were of the theater, that’s when the idea of a theatrical concert came to mind.”
Robert Dean Hertenstein, Senior Artistic Director, provides, “One of the things that’s really fabulous about the Aqua Theater & Club is that it’s a fully transformative venue. We can present it in a traditional proscenium, where all the seats are fully deployed. We can also retract the seats halfway – that’s the configuration that Revolution is presented in. And we can completely retract the seats and turn the space it into a nightclub.”
Hertenstein, who has labored with Wilcox for 15 years and helped deliver this imaginative and prescient to life, explains that the design of the theater encompasses “hidden garages where we’re able to store different set pieces that are able to move on the floor. So, if you’re on the floor, you’re not only in the action, the set’s moving around you, and you’re moving with the set. It’s not a passive experience at all!”
The exhilarating 55-minute present by no means has a uninteresting second. It retains transferring and retains you transferring in your seat or in your ft, relying on the way you’ve chosen to take part. One may even see the present twice in a single night time from a special location and luxuriate in a novel expertise every time.
“You get to change your perspective every time you see the show,” says Wilcox.
“Every time I see the show, I see something new and something different! I’m thrilled with the outcome,” shares White.
It has taken seven-plus years, a New York workshop, and numerous hours within the studio and theater to open Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, after Wilcox first introduced the idea to NCLH. It is an outstanding coup for the cruise line, as this manufacturing is the primary sanctioned present to be carried out exterior of the Prince Estate!
NCLH is really blessed to have a inventive companion like Wilcox.
“I think it’s really special to be able to have a long-term creative partner who’s willing to play with us – who’s willing to really embrace NCL as a brand,” says White.
“When I was a younger dancer, I would take her class in New York City,” says Hertenstein. “So to have this collaboration with Patti for the last 15 years has been an absolute dream. Between the shows we’ve created together and how we’ve supported each other, there’s such a trust. It’s been incredible.”
Wilcox thanks NCHL for that belief and for what she explains as a “clear the path for creativity.” She notes, “I’ve done quite a few shows with the Norwegian Cruise Line, and the beauty of it is that you can be presented with an idea and run with it. Or you can come up with your own idea, and they run with it. Norwegian Cruise Line clears the path for creativity to happen.”
The creativity in Revolution is aware of no bounds, and you’ll sense that Wilcox and the workforce had a lot enjoyable growing it. Highlights embody a shocking, sensual adagio to “Red Corvette”, “Purple Rain” carried out with a shocking ascending purple piano, a vibrant style parade celebrating the eclectic style of Prince, and plenty of nods to the times of MTV.
“It was the time of MTV!” says Wilcox. “Prince came into our living rooms in the ’80s on MTV, and changed the accessibility to what dance was. We could see it every day. It became a part of our vocabulary.”
In Wilcox’s distinctive celebration, there isn’t one actor performing as Prince, however two males and two ladies who tackle the function with their very own type and taste.
The forged is proficient and dedicated, rising to the problem of such a dynamic, quick paced and immersive manufacturing. The vocals are world-class, and the power by no means faulters.
“Once you figure out a show, 98 percent of your job after that is casting it,” says Wilcox, who is clearly very happy with the expertise who’ve labored so onerous to deliver her imaginative and prescient to life. “It’s about finding the right people – finding passion, finding technique, finding style.”
And the artists have all three in spades. They are a pleasure to look at.
“This journey has been truly great, but also very humbling,” says Assistant Dance Captain Kamarick Mackey. “It does teach you that if you want it, the hard work must be put behind your aspirations. It’s a true pleasure and honor to be part of the Revolution cast.”
Alongside the onstage expertise, behind the scenes the costume designers have out carried out themselves by capturing Prince’s aptitude and charismatic, edgy type.
The whole manufacturing feels as if it ought to tour the world on each sea and land. Congratulations to Wilcox and the workforce. Revolution is a revolution.
To catch Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, e book your self a cruise vacation within the sunny Caribbean on the brand new Norwegian Aqua.
By Deborah Searle of Dance Informa.
