As Queen Victoria prepares to enter service in December, a team
of 16 classically trained singers and dancers is already rehearsing
four major theatrical productions that will form the core of the
ocean liner's inaugural entertainment schedule. From concept to
curtain, Cunard will have spent nearly two years crafting the
shows.
“What Cunard presents is on a par with the highest caliber of
world class productions,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard
Line, referencing the line's legacy of premium onboard
entertainment. “From the set decor and talent to the beautiful
costumes by renowned theatrical designers, the work reflects a deep
understanding of our guests’ cultural intellect. Our investment in
entertainment is considerable and includes every aspect of the
experience, from the sight lines in the theatre to the
hand-selected creative team.”
Time and effort also went into designing the Royal Court
Theatre, a three-tiered venue, to live up to the productions.
“We looked at several theatres and were inspired by the
spectacular spaces designed by noted English theatrical architect
Frank Matcham, whose dramatic multi-tiered spaces made him one of
the most prolific theatrical architects of all time,” said
coordinating architect Giacomo Mortola. “In every sense, the Royal
Court Theatre captures that same feeling of grandeur and
luxury.”
Among the theatre's features is the collection of sixteen
private boxes the first-ever at sea that frame the stage and afford
48 guests exclusive seating from which to enjoy the performances.
Seating for two to eight guests each, depending on the size, the
boxes are furnished with armchairs and cocktail tables.
Individual-sized Veuve Clicquot bottles and sweet or savory treats
(depending on the show time) are served by white-gloved theatre
ushers. Following the performance, guests have an opportunity to
meet the cast backstage.
The entertainment itself is varied. Victoriana, a show that set
at the time of the apex of the British Empire, pays tribute to
milestones of the era. Victoriana captures Music Hall memories with
character performances, contemporary choreography and period
costumes. After each Victoriana performance, guests can visit the
Queens Room for a Royal Victoriana themed ball.
Dance Passion celebrates the world of dance with international
dancers and diverse choreography, from Gene Kelly and swing to the
Argentine Tango, Salsa and Samba.
Cunard tapped Dmitri Iliukhin, choreographer and former
Riverdance performer, to showcase Celtic performances. Featuring a
mix of original and traditional Irish music, song and dance, the
show tells the story of a young Irishman and his search for
fortune. The show features two principle dancers, four singers who
take the role of the narrators and a full dance ensemble.
A Stroke of Genius pairs world-famous works of art with popular
music. The eclectic show features a blend of Andy Warhol and the
Rolling Stones, Edward Hopper's American Realism and the music of
Hoagy Carmichael, and ballerinas against a backdrop of Edgar Degas’
French Impressionist paintings.
The productions are the work of the same team who produce
acclaimed shows for sister ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth
2.
In addition to the production shows, Singers in Concert brings
the combined orchestras of the Queens Room and Royal Court Theatre
together for a concert-style show combining classic standards,
contemporary songs and original musical arrangements. The
light-hearted musical presentation features songs by Burt
Bacharach, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Gilbert O'Sullivan and
others.
800-728-6273
www.cunard.com
