‘Wishes’ stage show announced for Disney Fantasy cruise ship bringing to life a variety of new and classic animated scenes

in Disney, Entertainment, Movies

Disney Cruise Line announced a new stage show called “Wishes” to add to the line-up of entertainment for the Disney Fantasy cruise ship, launching in March 2012. “Wishes” is added to the lineup of musicals presented in the Walt Disney Theatre that includes “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular,” “Disney’s Believe,” “A Fantasy Come True” and “An Unforgettable Journey.”

Disney describes the new 45-minute show as a musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child.

The story begins as long-time best friends Kayla and Nicole along with Nicole’s twin brother Brandon visit Disneyland to celebrate their high school graduation. Each is unsure of what the future holds for them, so they make a wish to go on the “Ride of Our Lives” – the show’s original opening number.

Their wish evokes an enchanted world where a cavalcade of Disney characters – including Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Lilo, Stitch, Mulan, Hercules, Pinocchio, Timon and Pumbaa – materialize to guide the teens through their magical journey.

Full-scale production numbers and special effects bring excitement to the stage as the cast of “Wishes” performs original songs and classic Disney tunes with a contemporary twist. Notable moments include:
In an over-the-top musical comedy production number, the song “I’ve Got a Dream” from “Tangled” sets the scene as the Snuggly Duckling Tavern comes alive, with Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and a tavern full of hilarious thugs.

In the “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from “Lilo and Stitch” scene, the stage fills with giant windsurfing sails, kites and surf boards. The infectious music inspires Kayla as she rides a surfboard, flying atop a giant blue wave silk.

King Louie and the Monkeys perform a high-energy swing band version of “I Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book.

In the final act, the trio celebrates their extraordinary journey at a graduation party as the pop tune “Breakthrough” from the Disney Channel original movie “Lemonade Mouth” keeps the revelry going.

“Wishes” was produced by Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, which has received acclaim for its productions around the world, including “Finding Nemo – The Musical” (Walt Disney World Resort in Florida), “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” (Disneyland Resort in California), “Twice Charmed” (Disney Cruise Line) and “The Golden Mickeys” (Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line).

Musical Numbers and Cast of Characters for “Wishes”:

“The Ride of Our Lives,” an original song featuring original characters Kayla, Brandon, Nicole and ensemble
“Hakuna Matata” from “The Lion King” featuring Timon, Pumbaa
”I Wanna Be Like You” from “The Jungle Book” featuring King Louie, Jungle Book Monkeys
”Zero to Hero” from “Hercules” featuring Hercules, The Muses
”Honor to Us All” from “Mulan” featuring Mulan, Aunts
”Reflection” from “Mulan” featuring Mulan
”I’ve Got a Dream” from “Tangled” featuring Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Snugly Duckling Thugs
”I’ve Got No Strings” from “Pinocchio” featuring Pinocchio, Marionettes
”Kiss the Girl” from “The Little Mermaid” featuring Sebastian, Flounder, River Creatures
”Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from “Lilo and Stitch” featuring Lilo, Stitch, Surfers
”When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio” featuring Kayla, Brandon, Nicole, Ensemble
”Breakthrough” from “Lemonade Mouth” featuring Kayla, Brandon, Nicole, ensemble and Disney characters

A few fun facts about the show: More than 18 different puppets are used in the show, including state-of-the-art mechanical and electro-mechanical full-body puppets. “Wishes” features approximately 290 costume pieces, 70 wigs, 75 hats and headpieces, and 115 pairs of shoes. Two separate confetti drops blanket the audience during the show – colorful flower confetti during “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” and shimmering confetti embossed with an image of the Blue Fairy at the conclusion of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” And each performance of “Wishes” concludes with an indoor fireworks finale

“Wishes” will debut along with the Disney Fantasy ship in March 2012.

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