Norwegian Aqua.
March 24, 2025.
The new Norwegian Aqua is something to behold, with new exciting activities like the aqua-coaster (yes, a rollercoaster and waterslide in one!), glow courts, tranquil sundecks and 10 percent more outdoor space than any other ship in the Norwegian fleet. But the jewel in the crown of the Aqua is the “Revolution: A Celebration of Prince” theatrical spectacular.
Conceived and choreographed by renowned Broadway choreographer Patricia Wilcox, Revolution pays tribute to the legendary artist Prince, showcasing his music, fashion, energy and essence.
Revolution is a testament to Norwegian Cruise Line’s commitment to delivering world-class, one-of-a-kind entertainment at sea. The show is part of the broader entertainment offerings on the Norwegian Aqua, which also includes “Elements: The World Expanded,” an enhanced version of one of Norwegian Cruise Line Holding’s (NCLH) highest-rated productions.
When speaking with Bryan White, Vice President of Entertainment Production, on board Aqua’s inaugural voyage, White explains, “We don’t think about cruise entertainment. We think about global entertainment, because the entertainment offerings that we have on our ships could be on Broadway, Vegas, the West End – we are thinking globally. We’re interested in what’s new and what’s next all around the world. What’s relevant, what’s compelling, and what’s valuable? We want guests to say, ‘Wow, that was a one-of-a-kind. I’m never going to get that anywhere else!'”
Revolution is certainly one-of-a-kind. The show is presented in the stunning Aqua Theater & Club which allows guests to either watch from traditional theater seating or join the cast on the dance floor for a concert-like experience.
The show’s visionary and choreographer Patti Wilcox says, “I wanted the show to be immersive from the beginning. Prince is immersive! And when seeing what the capabilities were of the theater, that’s when the idea of a theatrical concert came to mind.”
Robert Dean Hertenstein, Senior Artistic Director, adds, “One of the things that’s really fabulous about the Aqua Theater & Club is that it’s a fully transformative venue. We can present it in a traditional proscenium, where all the seats are fully deployed. We can also retract the seats halfway – that’s the configuration that Revolution is presented in. And we can completely retract the seats and turn the space it into a nightclub.”
Hertenstein, who has worked with Wilcox for 15 years and helped bring this vision to life, explains that the design of the theater encompasses “hidden garages where we’re able to store different set pieces that are able to move on the floor. So, if you’re on the floor, you’re not only in the action, the set’s moving around you, and you’re moving with the set. It’s not a passive experience at all!”
The exhilarating 55-minute show never has a dull moment. It keeps moving and keeps you moving in your seat or on your feet, depending on how you’ve chosen to participate. One can even see the show twice in one night from a different location and enjoy a unique experience each time.
“You get to change your perspective every time you see the show,” says Wilcox.
“Every time I see the show, I see something new and something different! I’m thrilled with the outcome,” shares White.
It has taken seven-plus years, a New York workshop, and countless hours in the studio and theater to open Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, after Wilcox first presented the concept to NCLH. It is a phenomenal coup for the cruise line, as this production is the first sanctioned show to be done outside of the Prince Estate!
NCLH is truly blessed to have a creative partner like Wilcox.
“I think it’s really special to be able to have a long-term creative partner who’s willing to play with us – who’s willing to really embrace NCL as a brand,” says White.
“When I was a younger dancer, I would take her class in New York City,” says Hertenstein. “So to have this collaboration with Patti for the last 15 years has been an absolute dream. Between the shows we’ve created together and how we’ve supported each other, there’s such a trust. It’s been incredible.”
Wilcox thanks NCHL for that trust and for what she explains as a “clear the path for creativity.” She notes, “I’ve done quite a few shows with the Norwegian Cruise Line, and the beauty of it is that you can be presented with an idea and run with it. Or you can come up with your own idea, and they run with it. Norwegian Cruise Line clears the path for creativity to happen.”
The creativity in Revolution knows no bounds, and you can sense that Wilcox and the team had so much fun developing it. Highlights include a stunning, sensual adagio to “Red Corvette”, “Purple Rain” performed with a stunning ascending purple piano, a vibrant fashion parade celebrating the eclectic fashion of Prince, and many nods to the days of MTV.
“It was the time of MTV!” says Wilcox. “Prince came into our living rooms in the ’80s on MTV, and changed the accessibility to what dance was. We could see it every day. It became a part of our vocabulary.”
In Wilcox’s unique celebration, there isn’t one actor performing as Prince, but two men and two women who take on the role with their own style and flavor.
The cast is talented and committed, rising to the challenge of such a dynamic, fast paced and immersive production. The vocals are world-class, and the energy never faulters.
“Once you figure out a show, 98 percent of your job after that is casting it,” says Wilcox, who is obviously very proud of the talent who have worked so hard to bring her vision to life. “It’s about finding the right people – finding passion, finding technique, finding style.”
And the artists have all three in spades. They are a joy to watch.
“This journey has been truly great, but also very humbling,” says Assistant Dance Captain Kamarick Mackey. “It does teach you that if you want it, the hard work must be put behind your aspirations. It’s a true pleasure and honor to be part of the Revolution cast.”
Alongside the onstage talent, behind the scenes the costume designers have out done themselves by capturing Prince’s flair and charismatic, edgy style.
The entire production feels as though it should tour the world on both sea and land. Congratulations to Wilcox and the team. Revolution is a revolution.
To catch Revolution: A Celebration of Prince, book yourself a cruise holiday in the sunny Caribbean on the new Norwegian Aqua.
By Deborah Searle of Dance Informa.
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