John Tartaglia's Family Musical Imaginocean Headed Off-Broadway

Imaginocean, a new family musical adventure created by John Tartaglia, is headed to off-Broadway’s New World Stages. The show will give five performances a week (including four daytime performances) on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning on March 17, with an opening set for March 31, directed by Donna Drake.

Imaginocean, which debuted on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas cruise ship, is described as a black-light puppet show that takes audiences on a one-hour underwater journey full of surprises and special effects. The seafaring stars Dorsel, Tank and Bubbles open an enchanted world of aquatic adventures where they meet jiving jellyfish, a strong-willed seahorse and a new friend, lovable Leonard the Octopus. The fish friends uncover a treasure map that leads them to learn about themselves and ultimately uncover the treasure of each other's friendship.

The production features an original score by William Wade, puppets designed and built by The Puppet Kitchen in New York City, and sets by Robert Kovach. In a statement, Tartaglia calls Imaginocean “a perfect first show for kids, and the spectacular production will certainly capture the imagination of all ages.”

Tartaglia received a Tony Award nomination for creating the roles of Princeton and Rod in Avenue Q and most recently appeared on Broadway as Pinocchio in Shrek and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. A 10-year veteran of Sesame Street he created, produced and starred in the Emmy-nominated children’s series Johnny and the Sprites.

Imaginocean is produced by Jellyfish Jive Productions, John Tartaglia, Philip Katz of Broadway Theatrical and Michael Shawn Lewis.