By Andrew Gans
09 Nov 2009

John Tartaglia

John Tartaglia's new family musical Imaginocean!, featuring a cast of puppeteers, will make its debut on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas beginning Nov. 20.

The new musical features a book by Shrek star Tartaglia with music and lyrics by William Wade. Donna Drake directs a cast of puppeteers; puppets were built by The Puppet Kitchen in New York City.

Tartaglia, Philip Katz of Broadway Theatrical and actor Michael Shawn Lewis are credited with bringing "this innovative black light musical production to life on the high seas."

In a statement Katz said, "This is truly an exceptional show that is full of wonder and magic and we couldn't be more thrilled than to open the first company of the show on the worlds newest and largest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas. Guests of all ages will be totally taken by the story, the music and the show itself."

Tartaglia added, "The show has just developed a life of its own. I think it touches on themes that everyone has a connection to; courage, adventure and friendship. There is nothing like this show and I know audiences are going to embrace it."

The musical, according to press notes is a "high-tech black-light, original musical, puppet show that takes the audience on a wondrous journey under the ocean." The plot concerns "three fish best friends, Tank, Dorsel and Bubbles, [who] are playing bubble ball when the ball suddenly floats away and bumps some coral. A treasure map appears! The three fish friends set out on an extraordinary journey to find the treasure and along the way, meet an underwater cast of characters. Magic abounds as they search the ocean for the clues. Upon finding the final clue they discover that the real treasure is their friendship."

Tartaglia was Tony-nominated for his performance in Broadway's Avenue Q and also appears on the Emmy-nominated "Johnny and the Sprites." He is currently on Broadway in Shrek: The Musical.

For more information visit www.imaginoceanthemusical.com.