Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “Duffy and the Friend Ship,” an original stage show performed aboard the Disney Adventure.
‘The Story Starts with Music’
In a post shared on Instagram, Disney Live Entertainment music producer Jamie and show director Mabrouk shared some insight into the Duffy production’s story, music, and underlying message.
As Mabrouk explains, the story begins with Duffy looking out across the vastness of the ocean and attempting to answer the question, “What does the ocean mean to me?” That question inspires Duffy and his friends to imagine what might be waiting beyond the horizon.
Music became one of the production team’s most important storytelling tools. Mabrouk describes his take on music as a kind of “universal language” and says the team needed to find the right sound and emotion to communicate Duffy’s story to what is likely to be a very international audience.
Jamie adds that one of the most exciting parts of serving as music producer was helping tell the heartfelt story of Duffy and Friends while building a complete musical score around their journey. The show includes several original songs written specifically for the Disney Adventure production.
The Reel features several clips from the finished production as Jamie details the score as being built around the themes of “friendship,” “togetherness” (with a minor typo as the word appears on the Reel), and “accomplishing goals,” themes that speak to the human experience cross-culturally.
Mabrouk lastly explains how Duffy and Friends represent different personalities and emotions. The creative team wanted every guest, young or old, to be able to recognize themselves in at least one member of the group.
Check out the full video on Instagram below:
“Duffy and the Friend Ship”
“Duffy and the Friend Ship” is an approximately 16-minute musical presented on the open-air Garden Stage in Disney Imagination Garden. The stage is located on Deck 10, while the surrounding multi-level courtyard allows guests to watch from several upper decks and some nearby stateroom verandahs.
The story is narrated by TippyBlue, a seagull represented by a puppet positioned beside the stage. TippyBlue guides Duffy and his friends as they build and decorate a boat before setting off on an imaginary voyage across the high seas.
The characters each contribute their own talents and ideas to the project. Their efforts transform the boat into a physical representation of their friendship, demonstrating what they can accomplish by combining their different strengths.
The production uses the Garden Stage’s approximately 30-foot-tall and 50-foot-wide screen to move the characters between colorful environments. Animated waves, skies, and illustrated scenery surround the physical sets and character performers throughout the voyage.
The complete Duffy and Friends group appears live on stage, including Duffy, ShellieMay, ‘Olu Mel, CookieAnn, StellaLou, Gelatoni, and LinaBell. The production marked the first time TippyBlue, ‘Olu Mel, CookieAnn, StellaLou, Gelatoni, and LinaBell were presented with English-speaking voices.
Check out the show for yourself on WDWNT POV:
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