Some days it is really fun to sit in my staff meeting and discuss what our “next big thing will be.” There is never a shortage of ideas and a lot of them are very lofty and aspirational. When we decided to raise the bar on our already successful production shows and offer Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas we thought this would be a huge WOW. Our guests have agreed based on the very high guest satisfaction scores as well as the number of standing ovations the show receives. Now we find ourselves wondering what we could possibly do on Allure of the Seas to raise the bar even higher.
Based on the success of Oasis, we went out and conducted research on what our guests would like to see on Allure. The results of that research produced a very short list of Broadway shows, and at the top of the list was Chicago. We wondered if it would even be possible to get the rights to a 6 time Tony award winning, two-time Olivier award winner, and an Academy awarding winning movie.
Our entertainment team, led by Peter Compton, went to work their magic to negotiate the rights to produce the show and we officially signed the contract today. This was a very big deal around here today, so there is a lot of celebrating going on.
Now we swing into action to begin and cast the show. Our teams will go to Chicago (how appropriate), London and New York for auditions. I get the opportunity to go to the auditions in New York in June and attend the Tony’s the same week. (Do I have a great job or what??) I’m secretly hoping Richard Gere shows up for the audition.
After we cast the show, the full plan unfolds with everyone arriving in Hollywood at our production studio for rehearsals, then off to Turku in October and then we officially open the show on Allure during the inaugurals. Of course, a lot of other things have to happen simultaneously, costume and set design, costume creation and fittings, and we have only 181 days left to delivery of Allure, so we are busy getting ready for opening night!!!
The Broadway production of Chicago is AMAZING. Saw it at that Boulder Dinner Theater, so y’all should have no issues with the staging. The key is going to be who you have as the leads. Dancers are a non-issue with RCI, so you’re going to have to peg the leads.
And I’m going to have to book another cruise. Woe is me!
You need to add a Jazz theme to some of the sailings while doing Chicago.
I swear i’m not a prude, but I have to say I think this is a horrible decision. It just doesn’t seem right that A family brand will have to marketing a show that includes themes such as criminals as celebrities, corruption, murder, abuse, etc..
I have nothing against the show. but on a family cruise line it’s just a horrible choice. There are too many family friendly shows out there to be able to pick from. I would recommend you reconsider.
We’re sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with our recent choice for Allure of the Seas production show. Our decision to select the Broadway show Chicago was based on comments from our guests. But we believe that with the wealth of entertainment opportunities available on Allure from the AquaTheater show to our fantastic ice skating production to our other production show, Blue Planet, there will be plenty of choice for everyone of all ages.
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I was very excited when I heard this news! However you mentioned above that it would debut during the inaugural cruises: We are booked on the Dec 1st sailing of the Allure, will it debut during this pre-inaugural cruise or will it not show until Dec 5th(the true inaugural cruise)?
We’re happy to hear that you are just as excited as we are about the production show Chicago. Chicago will be playing onboard Allure of the Seas as soon as she enters service, so you can expect to the see it when you are onboard.
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I think Chicago is a GREAT choice! There are tons of family entertainment options on board Allure, including major production shows. Royal Caribbean is not “only family” and this is a very wise decision to offer a great award winning musical for the majority of guest to enjoy.