Do Princess production shows tell a story?

[Rick&Jeannie]

I *somewhat* agree with @Strauss1020 in that 45 minutes generally is not enough time to tell a story per se;  many of the shows I've seen tend to be a very loose association of songs & music to give a very vague notion of a story.  Still...I *usually* find it more entertaining than sitting in the casino blindly pushing buttons (or is it the slots that are pushing *my* buttons...IDK!)

 

There's only one show that I've seen in the past couple of years that I truly thought was ridiculous...5 Skies.  This is just a blatant attempt to create *some* kind of story capitalizing on the "gamer" generation.  From a "technical production" viewpoint I have to admit that the graphics/sets are quite impressive...but as far as a "story"?  Hmmmm...nope!

[Cruise Raider]

4 hours ago, Strauss1020 said:

I haven't cruised yet but I watched a bit of the Princess shows on YouTube. I must say I was HORRIBLY disappointed in what I saw from both Princess and Celebrity. 

 

Someone commented that there really isn't enough time to "tell a story". I couldn't disagree more simply because DCL has production shows that TELL A STORY!!! I'm absolutely uninterested in a bunch of song and dance numbers loosely pigeonholed into a so-called show! I happen to work as a professional pianist for a very major ballet company. This doesn't mean I necessarily want or need to hear great symphonies or operas or ballets on a cruise. It DOES mean I want to be ENTERTAINED! I'm not entertained with some so-called singer or dancer screaming into a microphone while a dozen young idiots dance behind going from one monotonous, two chord pounding song to the next unrelated monotonous, two chord pounding tune!!

 

Who the hell makes these ridiculous decisions?? Give us a show!! Give us a story!! 

I’ve found some of the shows to be extremely entertaining, so not everyone would agree with your tastes, which may be more refined, and not everyone agrees with my tastes.  
My two favorites that I really enjoyed are Secret Silk and Spotlight Bar and feel both of those shows tell a story.  I also loved Rock Opera, which doesn’t tell a story but there is great talent, music and costuming.  
I haven’t liked a couple of their shows, Fiera or Magic Can Do, but that’s because I don’t care for magic or the costuming of creepy jesters.  But, I can look past that and appreciate the talent of these performers.  
Many of the shows, I’ve seen several times so, I sometimes do not repeat .. but of the three I’ve listed above, I make it a point to go once on each cruise.  The performers are oftentimes different and display their own unique talents and something I truly appreciate.  

[startedwithamouse]

4 hours ago, Strauss1020 said:

I haven't cruised yet but I watched a bit of the Princess shows on YouTube. I must say I was HORRIBLY disappointed in what I saw from both Princess and Celebrity. 

 

Someone commented that there really isn't enough time to "tell a story". I couldn't disagree more simply because DCL has production shows that TELL A STORY!!! I'm absolutely uninterested in a bunch of song and dance numbers loosely pigeonholed into a so-called show! I happen to work as a professional pianist for a very major ballet company. This doesn't mean I necessarily want or need to hear great symphonies or operas or ballets on a cruise. It DOES mean I want to be ENTERTAINED! I'm not entertained with some so-called singer or dancer screaming into a microphone while a dozen young idiots dance behind going from one monotonous, two chord pounding song to the next unrelated monotonous, two chord pounding tune!!

 

Who the hell makes these ridiculous decisions?? Give us a show!! Give us a story!! 

Are DCL production shows original stories? Or are they rehashing plots from Disney movies?

 

It's a pity with your background the disrespectful name calling of "so-called singer" and "a dozen young idiots".  These are professionally trained singers and dancers who are very good at their craft. No need to slam them. 

[karatemom2]

The Disney comparison is a bit unfair as they can draw off all of their fully formed Disney movie storylines and aren’t having to pay to license content they already own, or have to create new original content and music which is expensive and difficult. Why do you think even Broadway is defaulting to so many jukebox musicals?

 

We are musical theatre fanatics. My daughter and her husband are both singers and actors and we regularly see professional productions in both LA and New York. I do not expect this level on our cruises and yet still generally enjoy the shows for what they are, with the understanding that they are not theatre productions. 
 

Princess does a decent job - not great. NCL has better entertainment in my estimation and uses a professional company (Jean Ann Ryan) for their talent and shows. They do have more theatrical shows with shortened versions of musicals like Jersey Boys and Six. So they have demonstrated it can be done, and done well. I thought Princess might be on that track when they collaborated with Stephen Schwartz on a couple of shows, but unfortunately that didn’t really go very far. 

I don’t travel on Princess for the production shows - they are just a nice part of the equation. While I would love to see them elevate the theatrical quality and offer more Broadway style shows, I don’t expect it and wouldn’t want it if it raised the price of my cruise. I would rather go to a real Broadway show on land. 
 

For onboard entertainment the production shows they offer are fine, some better than others, and all very dependent on the level of talent of the singers and dancers on a particular ship. If you go in with reasonable expectations of what the shows are - elaborate variety shows - and what they aren’t - Broadway musicals, you will likely not be disappointed. 

 

[Potstech]

It's a pity with your background the disrespectful name calling of "so-called singer" and "a dozen young idiots".  These are professionally trained singers and dancers who are very good at their craft. No need to slam them. 

☝️☝️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍☝️👍

Edited March 12 by Potstech

[karatemom2]

25 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

Are DCL production shows original stories? Or are they rehashing plots from Disney movies?

 

It's a pity with your background the disrespectful name calling of "so-called singer" and "a dozen young idiots".  These are professionally trained singers and dancers who are very good at their craft. No need to slam them. 

 

13 minutes ago, Potstech said:

It's a pity with your background the disrespectful name calling of "so-called singer" and "a dozen young idiots".  These are professionally trained singers and dancers who are very good at their craft. No need to slam them. 

☝️☝️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍☝️👍

Thank you both for saying this. Many of these young people performing on cruise ships are professionally trained musical theatre talent fresh out of their college BFA programs looking for a place to launch their careers in a setting that provides a good income and a chance to do what they love and what they TRAINED to do. 
 

It is awful for anyone to disparage them. These are talented young people who have worked hard and deserve respect. My daughter and her husband have a number of friends they trained with in college performing on cruise ships right now and they are awesomely talented kids. 

Edited March 12 by karatemom2

[Strauss1020]

I have to reply to the "disrespect" comment. I don't truly mean to be disrespectful. I've worked in the fine arts area for 39 years now. I used to be a performer and though it's difficult to believe nowadays, I once used to be young. I've known several dancers who have worked on cruise ships and many other venues working on Broadway with productions of Phantom of the Opera, Newsies, Will Roger's Follies, Jersey Boys.....

 

I simply want a story!! Both Princess and Celebrity seem to be willing to spend a great deal on sets, designs, costumes, lighting effects and the theaters themselves. I don't mind at all if Disney is "rehashing" the stories that they made popular in their animated cartoons. 

 

Also, Disney put out some original productions for their cruises i.e. 

Disney Dreams - An Enchanted Classic, 

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the 

Cinderella Story, The Golden Mickeys, Disney's Believe and Disney Seas Adventure. 

 

Of course it takes some money to hire a writer and a composer/lyricist. However, I can think of a dozen or more associates who would jump at the chance to write an original story that could be adapted to a musical. Any young singer worth his or her salt is going to have to learn new material and learn it quickly. If they don't have those abilities, they won't get the job. I don't think it's asking an unreasonable request. 

 

As it is, the production shows on Princess and Celebrity seem to be about as entertaining as old Lawrence Welk shows except the music on Lawrence Welk was better.

[startedwithamouse]

7 hours ago, Strauss1020 said:

I haven't cruised yet

Then you need to, and come back with your opinion. 

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

[TRLD]

3 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

I *somewhat* agree with @Strauss1020 in that 45 minutes generally is not enough time to tell a story per se;  many of the shows I've seen tend to be a very loose association of songs & music to give a very vague notion of a story.  Still...I *usually* find it more entertaining than sitting in the casino blindly pushing buttons (or is it the slots that are pushing *my* buttons...IDK!)

 

There's only one show that I've seen in the past couple of years that I truly thought was ridiculous...5 Skies.  This is just a blatant attempt to create *some* kind of story capitalizing on the "gamer" generation.  From a "technical production" viewpoint I have to admit that the graphics/sets are quite impressive...but as far as a "story"?  Hmmmm...nope!

Was recently on a P&O cruise where their production shows are more "telling a story" focused.  We much prefer the Princess production shows, especially Bravo, and Encore, not so much Magic to do.

[TRLD]

1 hour ago, Strauss1020 said:

I have to reply to the "disrespect" comment. I don't truly mean to be disrespectful. I've worked in the fine arts area for 39 years now. I used to be a performer and though it's difficult to believe nowadays, I once used to be young. I've known several dancers who have worked on cruise ships and many other venues working on Broadway with productions of Phantom of the Opera, Newsies, Will Roger's Follies, Jersey Boys.....

 

I simply want a story!! Both Princess and Celebrity seem to be willing to spend a great deal on sets, designs, costumes, lighting effects and the theaters themselves. I don't mind at all if Disney is "rehashing" the stories that they made popular in their animated cartoons. 

 

Also, Disney put out some original productions for their cruises i.e. 

Disney Dreams - An Enchanted Classic, 

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the 

Cinderella Story, The Golden Mickeys, Disney's Believe and Disney Seas Adventure. 

 

Of course it takes some money to hire a writer and a composer/lyricist. However, I can think of a dozen or more associates who would jump at the chance to write an original story that could be adapted to a musical. Any young singer worth his or her salt is going to have to learn new material and learn it quickly. If they don't have those abilities, they won't get the job. I don't think it's asking an unreasonable request. 

 

As it is, the production shows on Princess and Celebrity seem to be about as entertaining as old Lawrence Welk shows except the music on Lawrence Welk was better.

Sounds like you have answered your own question.

[Potstech]

1 hour ago, Strauss1020 said:

I have to reply to the "disrespect" comment. I don't truly mean to be disrespectful. I've worked in the fine arts area for 39 years now. I used to be a performer and though it's difficult to believe nowadays, I once used to be young. I've known several dancers who have worked on cruise ships and many other venues working on Broadway with productions of Phantom of the Opera, Newsies, Will Roger's Follies, Jersey Boys.....

 

I simply want a story!! Both Princess and Celebrity seem to be willing to spend a great deal on sets, designs, costumes, lighting effects and the theaters themselves. I don't mind at all if Disney is "rehashing" the stories that they made popular in their animated cartoons. 

 

Also, Disney put out some original productions for their cruises i.e. 

Disney Dreams - An Enchanted Classic, 

Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the 

Cinderella Story, The Golden Mickeys, Disney's Believe and Disney Seas Adventure. 

 

Of course it takes some money to hire a writer and a composer/lyricist. However, I can think of a dozen or more associates who would jump at the chance to write an original story that could be adapted to a musical. Any young singer worth his or her salt is going to have to learn new material and learn it quickly. If they don't have those abilities, they won't get the job. I don't think it's asking an unreasonable request. 

 

As it is, the production shows on Princess and Celebrity seem to be about as entertaining as old Lawrence Welk shows except the music on Lawrence Welk was better.

It is not only about your need but the entertainment of others. Yet you did disrespect the many young entertainers who work hard to entertain others. And every time you post you add to it. Good luck finding what you need.

[PrincessLuver]

1 hour ago, Strauss1020 said:

 

As it is, the production shows on Princess and Celebrity seem to be about as entertaining as old Lawrence Welk shows except the music on Lawrence Welk was better.

 

There are many things we really like about Princess but in the last couple of years we have noticed that there has been a real deterioration n the quality of all their entertainment.  

 

We too felt like many times we were watching a Lawrence Weld show but without the bubbles.  There is so much auto-tuning and lip-syncing that happens in their production shows that it is far cry from quality entertainment.  

 

However, it is a cruise ship and there is a reason the performers are working a cruise ship and not Las Vegas or Broadway.

Edited March 12 by PrincessLuver

[Rick&Jeannie]

7 hours ago, Strauss1020 said:

I haven't cruised yet

but I watched a bit of the Princess shows on YouTube. I must say I was HORRIBLY disappointed in what I saw from both Princess and Celebrity. 

Seriously? How can you possibly make any type of informed decision or post a "review" about *any* topic that you have not actually experienced? 

[Ombud]

These Princess shows tell a story:

> The Secret Silk 

> Spotlight Bar (loosely)

> 5 Skies (video game player trying to free princess, very easy to follow IMHO)

 

These production shows may have a story in them but hard to tell:

> Inspired Silliness

> Magic to Do (👎)

> Stardust (walked out after 5 minutes)

> Bayou 

 

 

[galensgrl]

My husband and I cruised starting in 2009, and rather than sticking with one line for loyalty/perks, we tried several ships across three lines - NCL, HAL, and Celebrity. The shows varied in quality, and none seemed story oriented like a Broadway play. Production shows are invariably lots of music, singing and some dancing too. I've learned that most are musical revues, musical medleys and the like. So when I go to the theaters I go for the music. Sure I would love seeing a Broadway story type show. I have a feeling it would be cost prohibitive for the cruise lines to afford a huge Broadway show type production on the average cruise ship. Now I go for the music, if I like it I stay and listen. If I don't like it I discreetly leave and find music I like in one of the lounges. Easy enough fix for the situation. 

Lorie

[Strauss1020]

9 minutes ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Seriously? How can you possibly make any type of informed decision or post a "review" about *any* topic that you have not actually experienced? 

So are you simply saying that unless I see the show in person, I can't have a valid opinion?? I only watched on YouTube and could immediately see a difference between Disney and other cruiselines that featured trimmed down versions of shows which have appeared elsewhere - (Wizard of Oz on RCL, Summer: on NCL). I also watched what's available on Princess and Celebrity. 

 

If someone takes your rebuke seriously, there's no valid reason to like or dislike any musical performance unless you see it live. Taken to that logical conclusion, 70% to 80% of my recordings shouldn't warrent an opinion from me. After all, the many, many classical artists whose recordings I've often enjoyed are musicians I never heard live. Most of them are dead. I shouldn't give a contrary opinion unless I've actually seen the show in person!

 

No one has given me a serious argument against my opinion. My opinion is this: most of the shows on Princess and Celebrity don't tell a story. The only exception was "5 Skies" on Princess Cruises. I'm sorry. I simply find plotless variety shows to be silly and NOT entertaining!! A few have said that they didn't like the production of "Magic To Do" on Princess because they don't care for magic acts. I, on the other hand, LOVE magic shows!! I find them to be incredibly entertaining. Considering that the new Sun Princess dedicated a whole new facility "Spellbound" to magic, I'm not alone in my thinking. Still, I'm not offended by a contrary opinion. If you like loud variety shows, good for you. I simply want to be entertained in the evening when I've paid big bucks for a cruise.

[Strauss1020]

5 minutes ago, galensgrl said:

My husband and I cruised starting in 2009, and rather than sticking with one line for loyalty/perks, we tried several ships across three lines - NCL, HAL, and Celebrity. The shows varied in quality, and none seemed story oriented like a Broadway play. Production shows are invariably lots of music, singing and some dancing too. I've learned that most are musical revues, musical medleys and the like. So when I go to the theaters I go for the music. Sure I would love seeing a Broadway story type show. I have a feeling it would be cost prohibitive for the cruise lines to afford a huge Broadway show type production on the average cruise ship. Now I go for the music, if I like it I stay and listen. If I don't like it I discreetly leave and find music I like in one of the lounges. Easy enough fix for the situation. 

Lorie

If you need to pay the royalties for a current Broadway hit, you're absolutely correct. Those costs can be enormous. However, there are many shows from the "golden age" of Broadway that wouldn't have those prohibitive costs. Just as RCL is currently staging "The Wizard of Oz", and staged "Grease" in the past there are many, many shows of Rogers and Hart, Lerner and Lowe, Rogers and Hammerstein, Frank Loesser, Jerry Herman, Kander and Ebbs which could be adapted into a 45 to 60 minute show. 

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

No story, No entertainment IMO. They could do so much better.

 

We never do the evening shows.

[startedwithamouse]

34 minutes ago, Strauss1020 said:

A few have said that they didn't like the production of "Magic To Do" on Princess because they don't care for magic acts. I, on the other hand, LOVE magic shows!! I find them to be incredibly entertaining

Magic to Do isn't a magic show and has little to do is with magic acts.

[Strauss1020]

9 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

Magic to Do isn't a magic show and has little to do is with magic acts.

My mistake. I was just quoting when Cruise Raider stated;

 

"I haven’t liked a couple of their shows, Fiera or Magic Can Do, but that’s because I don’t care for magic".

 

I haven't seen the show. I'm saddened to learn that it isn't a magic show. I might like that a lot. In fact, when I do eventually cruise on Princess, I hope there's one or more magic shows!!

11 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

Magic to Do isn't a magic show and has little to do is with magic acts.

 

[Ombud]

1 hour ago, Strauss1020 said:

1 hour ago, Rick&Jeannie said:

Seriously? How can you possibly make any type of informed decision or post a "review" about *any* topic that you have not actually experienced? 

So are you simply saying that unless I see the show in person, I can't have a valid opinion??

You can have an opinion based on YouTube perceptions. Kinda hard for me to take your opinion / critique on real onboard shows taken seriously JMHO 

[Lady Arwen]

54 minutes ago, Strauss1020 said:

So are you simply saying that unless I see the show in person, I can't have a valid opinion?? I only watched on YouTube and could immediately see a difference between Disney and other cruiselines that featured trimmed down versions of shows which have appeared elsewhere - (Wizard of Oz on RCL, Summer: on NCL). I also watched what's available on Princess and Celebrity. 

 

If someone takes your rebuke seriously, there's no valid reason to like or dislike any musical performance unless you see it live. Taken to that logical conclusion, 70% to 80% of my recordings shouldn't warrent an opinion from me. After all, the many, many classical artists whose recordings I've often enjoyed are musicians I never heard live. Most of them are dead. I shouldn't give a contrary opinion unless I've actually seen the show in person!

 

No one has given me a serious argument against my opinion. My opinion is this: most of the shows on Princess and Celebrity don't tell a story. The only exception was "5 Skies" on Princess Cruises. I'm sorry. I simply find plotless variety shows to be silly and NOT entertaining!! A few have said that they didn't like the production of "Magic To Do" on Princess because they don't care for magic acts. I, on the other hand, LOVE magic shows!! I find them to be incredibly entertaining. Considering that the new Sun Princess dedicated a whole new facility "Spellbound" to magic, I'm not alone in my thinking. Still, I'm not offended by a contrary opinion. If you like loud variety shows, good for you. I simply want to be entertained in the evening when I've paid big bucks for a 

I started to type a response to you, but to be honest I think our opinions are not in the least bit appreciated.  You’ve made up your mind based on a YouTube video.  I’m not sure cruising is right for you.

[galensgrl]

56 minutes ago, Strauss1020 said:

If you need to pay the royalties for a current Broadway hit, you're absolutely correct. Those costs can be enormous. However, there are many shows from the "golden age" of Broadway that wouldn't have those prohibitive costs. Just as RCL is currently staging "The Wizard of Oz", and staged "Grease" in the past there are many, many shows of Rogers and Hart, Lerner and Lowe, Rogers and Hammerstein, Frank Loesser, Jerry Herman, Kander and Ebbs which could be adapted into a 45 to 60 minute show. 

Well if other lines can find a way, perhaps Princess and the lines that don't do shows with a story might re-evaluate their entertainment offerings. Our first Princess cruise in August is on the Enchanted Princess. I'm curious to see if it's as good as I imagine it to be. Our favorite so far has been Holland America, but again we have the urge to try Princess this time to see what our overall satisfaction will be. Happy travels!

Lorie

[charliedalrymple]

3 hours ago, Strauss1020 said:

My opinion is this: most of the shows on Princess and Celebrity don't tell a story. The only exception was "5 Skies" on Princess Cruises. I'm sorry. I simply find plotless variety shows to be silly and NOT entertaining!!

 

It's perfectly valid that you don't like show without a story line.  Had you stopped there, you would just have been expressing your preference (albeit a bit strongly), as many do here.  

 

You are getting slammed because you found it necessary to go further and disparage the talented cast members who work extremely hard to put on quality productions. That was mean and uncalled for.

[antsp]

On 3/12/2024 at 7:57 AM, Strauss1020 said:

I haven't cruised yet but I watched a bit of the Princess shows on YouTube. I must say I was HORRIBLY disappointed in what I saw from both Princess and Celebrity. 

 

Someone commented that there really isn't enough time to "tell a story". I couldn't disagree more simply because DCL has production shows that TELL A STORY!!! I'm absolutely uninterested in a bunch of song and dance numbers loosely pigeonholed into a so-called show! I happen to work as a professional pianist for a very major ballet company. This doesn't mean I necessarily want or need to hear great symphonies or operas or ballets on a cruise. It DOES mean I want to be ENTERTAINED! I'm not entertained with some so-called singer or dancer screaming into a microphone while a dozen young idiots dance behind going from one monotonous, two chord pounding song to the next unrelated monotonous, two chord pounding tune!!

 

Who the hell makes these ridiculous decisions?? Give us a show!! Give us a story!! 

Very very rude, the crew work really hard on these shows