NCL Majesty

I am waiting in the airport for my flight home after being on the NCL Majesty all week installing the new cast out there and getting the shows up and going.

The Majesty is NCL's smallest ship and has been sold so this is the final cast (the ship will officially close down in October). The stage is smaller and the theater is very different from other ships and what the performers are used to. This cast did a FANTASTIC job of adapting. They are going to blow people away out there.

Garris Wimmer and Kelly Evans and I were the production team this time and we really enjoyed working together! Everyone did a fantastic job! Here are some pictures and video of the week...


Blake Rowden, John-Michael Zuerlein, Andrew Loveridge and me. Blake and John-Michael are two of our singers. Andy is the Band Leader.

Lindsey and Francesca---two of our dancers in the cast finishing up on the Majesty

Matt Atwood and Matt Castano--two of our singers in the out going cast

One of the best treats of the week was that the cast of the Spirit came over to see us. (They were in port in Bermuda as well.) I was so glad to see old friends! Pictured here... Gemma, Kelly, Dani, Garris, Julio, Rusty and Kelly.

Kelly, Dani, Julio, Gemma and I catch up in the theater and hear stories about the Spirit.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Bermuda--Tabacco Bay

On the way to the beach we passed these church ruins...construction on this building began in the early 1800's but because of a church split and a later hurricane, it was never completed.

Here's the Majesty docked at St. George

This bag pipe player was standing on the front of this pirate ship playing the theme to "Titanic" (My Heart Will Go On). I thought it was really funny!

One night we walked over to St. Catherine's beach and built a fire and roasted hot dogs. It was so beautiful! Pictured here are Gary and Amanda Hipperson (two of our dancers) and Matt Atwood

Jasmin Richardson, Paige Salter and I...enjoying the bonfire. Paige and Jazz are two of our new singers on the Maj.

Carissa Bellando and I at the beach. Carissa is one of our new dancers on the Maj (she has worked for us several times before and is the dance captain for this cast)

Blake, Jasmin, Paige and John-Michael pose before one of the costume tech runs

Carissa, Topher, Amanda and Gary

Paige, Blake and Jasmin

Hairspray--costume run

Here are some video clips from one of the dress rehearsals. The old cast came and they were all so supportive!

We send our best wishes to the cast as they open their shows this week! Have a wonderful contract, guys! Meanwhile...I can't WAIT to be home to celebrate Sam's birthday and Maddie's lost tooth and all the things that mean so much.

Friday Night Fun

Last night the Majesty cast came over for dinner. We had such a great time! The kids were so excited all week looking forward to having them.

Carissa and the girls

The cast

Paige, Topher and me

Carissa, Blake and Jasmin

Gary, Carissa and me

The cast of the NCL Majesty (R-L)

John-Michael Zuerlein, Jasmin Richardson, Blake Rowden, Gary Hipperson, Carissa Bellando, Paige Salter, Christopher (Topher) Burkes, Amanda Hipperson

Saturday Fun

Today while Sheryl worked on flowers for a wedding, the kids and I played Uno...to the death and then went up to the studio to watch a run-through of the Majesty cast. It was really fun! Here are some pics from the run...

John-Michael

Jasmin and Blake

Carissa, Blake and Amanda

Sweet Jasmin with Maddie and Ella

Sam and me

Blake sings AM Radio

"Everything is Alright"

"Natural Woman"

NCL Majesty Rehearsals Begin

The cast of the NCL Majesty began rehearsals this week. I am teaching the singers and I am so thankful for this amazingly talented cast! Jasmin Richardson (2nd from left) is someone I have been wanting to work with for over a year. I first saw her in the leading role of "Aida" at ACU in the fall of '07. She is fantastic! Blake is one of my favorites too (a returning performer). John Michael is also returning to us and he's got a great voice. Paige is new--we discovered her at a local audition. She is graduating from Belmont with a degree in Musical Theater. Fantastic performer!

Blake, Jasmin, John Michael, and Paige

I am also glad that all of our dancers are returning performers. Carissa and Topher were recently on the NCL Spirit and Gary and Amanda worked for us on Celebrity.

Congratulations to this cast on a fantastic start!

A little taste...the batteries on my camera ran out before I could capture more.

I leave tomorrow for a quick trip to the NCL Sky to check out one of their shows. 2 nights and then home!