On 25JUL, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the cast of its headlining show, "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," premiering aboard the all-new Norwegian Prima in AUG 2022.
The Tony Award-nominated musical narrates the story of Donna Summer's rise to fame, showing the Queen of Disco at three pivotal stages of her career: Diva Donna, Disco Donna and Duckling Donna. The Brand has announced the cast who will take on the mantle of Donna Summer through her most memorable moments in life:
- "American Idol" season two finalist, Kimberly Locke, takes on her first theater project at sea and will star in the role of Diva Donna, playing Summer as she reaches the height of her career. Locke is also known for her work on television and Broadway, where she most recently performed in Kristin Chenoweth's one-woman show, "For The Girls."
- Taking on the role of Disco Donna is Valerie Curlingford from the Netherlands. Curlingford will play Summer in her late teens and early twenties as she first finds success in the 1970s disco era.
- Duckling Donna will show Summer as she grows up in Boston in the 1960s. The role will be played by D'Nasya Jordan, who most recently starred as Little Inez in "Hairspray."
"It is an incredible honor to play Donna Summer along a very talented cast in this highly-rated musical," said Locke. "Donna Summer’s inspirational story and pioneering talent led the way for so many of today's brightest vocalists. She has left an immeasurable impact on music and culture, and I am excited to bring her story to guests around the world aboard the beautiful Norwegian Prima."
The production will feature more than 20 of Summer's hits, including "Bad Girls," "Last Dance," and "Hot Stuff," and also aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind some of Summer’s songs. The 85-minute musical will be a first at sea, where the Prima Theater itself transforms into a full disco, allowing guests to become part of the show as they dance along to Summer's greatest melodies.
"The legendary Donna Summer is an inspiration to many, and we cast performers who would honor her and match the same level of star power and talent," said Richard Ambrose, senior vice president of Entertainment and Cruise Programs for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Also sharing a residency at the Prima Theater will be "Noise Boys!" an original, award-winning beat boxing experience produced by Nic Doodson, creator of "Choir of Man," currently residing on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape.
As part of the additional entertainment offerings on Norwegian Prima, the Brand will also debut live game show experiences that allow the audience to be part of the show and have an opportunity to win grand prizes. Guests can be participants in iconic game shows including, "The Price is Right LIVE," "Supermarket Sweep LIVE" and "Press Your Luck LIVE." The ship also features "Sensoria" - a Vegas-style nightclub party presenting a journey through Coachella, Woodstock and Burning Man.
For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit its web site.
