5 'Broadway' style shows with a tropical twist
When it comes to Broadway-style shows and musical spectaculars, many think the best way to see a quality theatre performance is to head to the city. But, what if you could combine a Broadway-style show with your favourite tropical destination at a fraction of the cost? Here we list five ways you can experience high-calibre performances while also enjoying the beach during your vacation.
Tropicana in the tropics
We’re not talking about the orange juice here. This is a cabaret show unlike any other. Tropicana is to Havana as Moulin Rouge is to Paris and offers spectators a colourful show with amazing choreography matched seamlessly to lively music that will get you up and dancing. This long-standing show, which originally began in 1939 in Cuba, is designed to take its audience through all the country’s music genres: from Bolero and Rumba to Mambo and Salsa. The show’s music and the performers’ enthusiasm is infectious: prepare to sing until your voice is hoarse and dance until your legs are tired!
Where to stay: The Tropicana show excursion can be added to a vacation package to Havana or Varadero. For easy access to Havana’s prime attractions and shows, Iberostar Parque Central is a great choice located right in the heart of the old town (and even has its own art gallery), or you can have the best of beach and city in Varadero at Grand Memories Varadero which combines and an enviable beach location with a host of exciting amenities including a pool complex, kids club and water sports options.
Cruisin’ to the tunes
Experience an actual Broadway show at sea, for free! Norwegian Bliss is a new addition to Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, that offers guests the chance to sing along to the smash-hit Jersey Boys at no cost as all entertainment and shows are included in your cruise package. During your cruise, you can also travel back in time to the Prohibition Era and become part of the story at the Broadway-inspired show, Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical.
Another ship known for its dazzling entertainment is Norwegian Getaway. On board, vacationers will be treated to the Tony® Award-winning musical, Million Dollar Quartet, that still appears on Broadway today along with the dance extravaganza tribute to another Broadway classic, Burn the Floor. Or, get ready for the greatest rock 'n' roll duelling piano show, Howl at the Moon, where you can sing and dance the night away as talented musicians jam out to classic songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today.
Better than Vegas
Fans of the Bachelor Canada are sure to remember the colourful theatrical performances of the Bravissimo Fiesta that was featured in the show when contestants competed for Bachelor Chris’ affection by learning how to dance in the theatrical extravaganza. On a regular day, this extravaganza (dubbed Puerto Plata’s #1 attraction) features a troupe of talented Dominican showgirls decked out in elaborate dresses and costumes with a performance that features a tropical take on Las Vegas. Get ready to dance your heart out during this entertaining show while enjoying unlimited rum and beer during. All that dancing definitely takes a lot of energy, so it’s a good thing the show also includes dinner before the party starts. After the Fiesta, keep the good vibes going by testing your luck at the casino.
Where to stay: Booking this experience can be combined with a stay at the adults only Viva Wyndham V Heavens resort. This top-rated resort has a boutique-style setting perfect for those needing some R&R between exciting parties and shows. Enjoy free cooking classes, unlimited à la carte dining and an extensive menu of relaxing spa treatments you can take advantage of.
Dance the night away
There are different versions of Coco Bongo in various destinations such as Punta Cana and La Romana in the Dominican Republic or Cancun in Mexico, but the goal of each venue is ultimately the same: to make sure you have the night of your life. Coco Bongo is a show that combines heart-pounding music with lights, bubbles, balloons, confetti, streamers, acrobatic performers and of course an open bar, to create the best dance floor and venue to party the night away. Cancun is often a favourite destination for this show as it takes place right in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, so you can easily reach this lively event from many resorts.
Where to stay: Grand Sunset Princess All Suites Spa and Resort is a resort located just outside the Hotel Zone and welcomes guests with numerous freshwater swimming pools, a variety of à la carte restaurants, trendy bars and a luxurious spa complex where you can enjoy soothing treatments to relax those tired muscles after a night of dancing.
The World’s a Stage
For a world of entertainment, head to Universal Orlando™ Resort where you’ll find Universal’s CityWalk™, an epicentre that hosts all sorts of entertainment from live music performances and comedy shows to theatre skits and much more. Popular fixtures include the Blue Man Group which features heart-pounding percussion music that plays in tandem with splashes of neon paint; or the Bob Marley Tribute show that showcases the music legend’s famous songs while you enjoy traditional Jamaican cuisine. Even when you are not in the theatre, CityWalk™ is sure to inspire that Broadway vibe with live busker performances and street artists.
Where to stay: Avoid long lines and get access to the theme park’s attractions early (such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter) when you stay at resorts such as Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando® or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal that are located within the theme park. Plus, when you book either resort as part of a vacation package you get additional inclusions such as complimentary car rental for the duration of your stay – perfect for a day’s exploring.
