Theatre junkies are happy to feed their obsessions in many different ways. The most obvious is by visiting a theatre to watch a favourite play / writer / actor or maybe taking a chance on something new. Others will attempt to emulate their heroes by taking part in amdram productions.
These days, an increasing number of theatres also stream productions for those who are unable to attend in person or cannot afford the ludicrous prices being charged for tickets to many West End and Broadway shows. Beyond that, there are books, movies, lectures and even memorabilia shops and auctions that might appeal.
For those who are rich and want to try a new experience, The Broadway Cruise is currently marketing its third sailing just before Easter next year.
Before you get too excited, the prices for the four-day cruise are quite breathtaking. Ignoring the cost of getting yourself to Miami to embark on the Norwegian Gem, tickets for a basic package in an interior cabin start at $450 but bump up to $701 if you don’t want to share. Before you get too excited about affordability, this does not include daily on-board service charges or a $305 charge per person for taxes and fees.
Even so, it does include food and restricted soft drinks so might sound reasonable until you discover that the basic package does not include entry to the three headliner ticketed shows in the “intimate” 850-seat onboard indoor Stardust Theater, although you can enter a lottery to purchase tickets.
To enjoy the full experience, it is necessary to fork out for the Stardust packages. These range from around $1,000, depending on the number of people in a cabin ($2,000+ if you’re on your own) up to $5,000 ($10,000 for single occupancy). But don’t forget that $305 additional charge.
If that hasn’t put you off, and you haven’t recently watched Titanic, the stars and additional offerings are impressive.
Those who follow the Broadway musical scene will instantly recognise names such as Shoshana Bean, Laura Benanti, Alex Brightman, Caissie Levy (currently starring in Next To Normal in the West End) and Eva Noblezada, all of whom will be performing.
In addition, there will be behind-the-scenes opportunities to enjoy conversations involving the likes of director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell of Kinky Boots and La Cage Aux Folles fame and Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller.
In effect, this is a floating equivalent to a four-day stay in Las Vegas but better, with the chance to witness what are likely to be exciting shows, brush shoulders with like-minded folk and maybe even the odd celebrity and, as a bonus, attend dance classes, workshops, panels and Q&As with the stars and even a Broadway Karaoke (yuck) as well as enjoy the sunshine and see Miami and Cozumel in Mexico.
On the basis that this is the third cruise run by the company and it continues to attract major Broadway stars, the venture obviously has great appeal.
For many, the price will be off-putting, but the big question is whether an enterprising UK company might consider floating a West End equivalent for well-heeled guests some time in the not-too-distant future.
If you read this column and decide to take the cruise, please let us know how it goes.