Princess Reveals Next Stephen Schwartz Musical Production “Born to Dance”
Next Show in Industry-First Partnership Celebrates Broadway Dance Through Song Hits from Greatest Broadway Shows of All Time
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Princess
Cruises
today revealed the second musical production
show
created in collaboration with Oscar-, Tony- and Grammy-winning composer Stephen
Schwartz and his team of professional creators, entitled – "Born to Dance" - a
tribute to Broadway choreography featuring inspired performances that celebrate
some of Broadway's most-famous hits. The new show, created and directed by
Daniel C. Levine, is scheduled to debut exclusively on Princess Cruises, fall
2016.
"Born to Dance" is a is a high energy nod to
dance, highlighting some of Broadway's most acclaimed choreographers and
brought to life through the most memorable songs from iconic shows including
"West Side Story', "A Chorus Line", "Chicago" and more. "Born to Dance"
celebrates many of Broadway's most acclaimed choreographers and dancers, giving
viewers a glimpse into what it takes to be a professional dancer. The show pays
tribute to many of Broadway's trail-blazing choreographers, including Bob
Fosse, Jerome Robbins and Gower Champion. In addition, some of today's hottest
choreographers and dancers make virtual appearances in the show through video
and multi-media projection, including Tony winners Andy Blankenbuehler
("Hamilton"), Rob Ashford ("Evita") and Karen Ziemba ("Chicago").
"Celebrating the role dance plays on Broadway
through famous musical hits from some of the most famous Broadway shows in
history was Stephen's vision for the highly-anticipated second musical
production in our partnership," said Adrian Fischer, vice president,
entertainment experience for Princess Cruises. "‘Born to Dance' will no doubt
deliver an uplifting, feel-good show with our guests leaving the theater
feeling energized, happy and nostalgic after enjoying dance performed to so
many beloved Broadway songs."
"Dan Levine, creator and director of 'Born to
Dance,' inspired me with his vision of a show that pays tribute to the
larger-than-life choreographers who have shaped Broadway and the dancers whose
passion brings their work to life," said Stephen Schwartz. "I was honored to
propose this show to Princess and for Dan and I to work closely with them
refining its structure and song list, assembling a world-class creative team
and securing the participation of some of Broadway's most accomplished
choreographers and dancers."
"Born to Dance" premieres aboard Star
Princess
in fall 2016, followed by Grand Princess and Golden Princess in early 2017.
The "Born to Dance" production team includes:
Daniel C. Levine, (Creator and Director of Born to Dance) has appeared on Broadway and in the Broadway national tours of "Mamma Mia!", "Little Shop of Horrors", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Chicago" and "Les Miserables". He is also the creator, producer, and director of "Broadway Backstage!" which is currently touring throughout the United States.
Al Blackstone, (Choreographer) is an acclaimed choreographer, performer, and educator as well as a recipient of the 2011 Capezio A.C.E. Award for Choreographic Excellence. He recently choreographed for the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance.
Bryan Perri, (Musical Director) is currently the music director and conductor of the Broadway production of "Wicked". He was musical director of "Chaplin" on Broadway where he also contributed vocal and dance arrangements.
William Ivey Long, (Costume Designer) is a six-time Tony Award winner and acclaimed designer for Broadway productions including Rodger's and Hammerstein's "Cinderella", "The Producers" and "Hairspray".
Beowulf Boritt, (Scenic Designer) is a Tony Award-winning set designer. His past Broadway scenic design work includes "Act One", "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", "Lovemusik", and "Chaplin". He is nominated for a Tony again this year for the play Therese Raquin.
Caite Hevner, (Project and Media Designer) has designed over 100 productions in New York City and across the United States. Her work has been seen on Broadway in many productions including "No Man's Land", "Macbeth", and the recent revival of "On The Town".
Jack Mehler, (Lighting Designer) has served as lighting designer for a wide variety of musicals, dance, plays and corporate projects. He received the 2013 Korean Musical Theatre Award (Korean Tony) for "Rebecca" and the 2012 award for "Elisabeth."
This
partnership between a cruise line and a major creative talent from Broadway and
Hollywood includes a multi-year collaboration to oversee the creative
development of a total of four new musicals to debut across the fleet over the
next several years. This
adds to the cruise line's "come back new" brand promise, by elevating the
onboard guest experience resulting in more transformative moments, lifetime
memories and meaningful stories to share from a cruise vacation.
The first musical
production of the Stephen Schwartz partnership, "Magic to
Do"
debuted to rave reviews in fall 2015, and is currently entertaining guests
aboard Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess. The show celebrates
his lifelong fascination with magic and combines thrilling illusions with some
of his most famous songs, such as "Magic to Do" from "Pippin" and "Defying
Gravity" from "Wicked." A "Making of Magic of Do" behind the scenes video can
be found here.
During
his 40-year entertainment career, Schwartz has won four Grammys, three Academy
Awards for Best Song and Best Score for "Pocahontas" and Best Song
for "The Prince of Egypt" and last year received the Isabelle
Stevenson special Tony Award. He is the only songwriter in Broadway history
ever to have three shows run more than 1,900 performances.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel consultant, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at princess.com.
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About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known
names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company
operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships renowned for their innovative
design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all
provided with the experience of exceptional customer service. A recognized
leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million guests each year to
more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries
ranging in length from three to 111 days. The company is part of Carnival
Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).
Newsroom:
Additional media
information is available at www.princess.com/news.
For further
information, contact:
Brea Burkholz, bburkholz@princesscruises.com, (661) 753-1542
Brian O'Connor, boconnor@princesscruises.com, (661) 753-1530