John Tartaglia & Michael Shawn Lewis' Gables Grove Productions to Expand for Carnival

Gables Grove Productions Inc. (GGP) has announced the expansion of two of their successful original Carnival Cruise Lines family entertainment experiences. Towel Animal Theater, which launched in 2012 and is now in production on 12 Carnival ships, will be produced on most of the fleet - 22 ships-- by the end of 2015. Seuss-a-Palooza Storytime and Parade, which made its premiere in February 2014 and is now on four ships, has inked a deal to be on the entire fleet - 24 ships - by the end of 2015.

The adorable and entertaining original family variety show Towel Animal Theater created by GGP exclusively for Carnival Cruise Lines, features characters inspired by the famous towel animals in guest rooms on the ships. GGP co-founder and producer Michael Shawn Lewis explains, "We explore the idea of what these towels shaped as animals do all day inside the cabin while guests are out in the sun having fun. We have a hilarious group of towel animal friends - puppets -- who join together to put on an impromptu variety show. With unexpected twists, blunders and a whole lot of creativity, our characters Roar, Toots, Howl and Ribbit, lead the audience through a fantastic celebration. We are delighted at the response we have gotten from families, and thrilled to expand production to more ships."

GGP was brought in by Carnival Cruise Lines to develop, produce, and implement The Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss as exciting interactive live shows. The result: Seuss-a-Palooza Storytime and Parade which includes Cat in the Hat story time and a parade of lovable classic characters. According to GGP co-founder and producer John Tartaglia, "This is pure Seuss fun. These unforgettable easily recognizable characters are for all ages and are timeless. We bring the audience into the action and really bring out the kid in everyone. This was a great project to produce and we are thrilled to be involved with Carnival for the long term."

Drama Desk Award nominated producer, writer, and performer Michael Shawn Lewis and Emmy, Tony and Drama Desk Award nominated producer, director, writer, and performer John Tartaglia, co-founded the Manhattan-based multimedia family entertainment company Gables Grove Productions, Inc in 2009. Hundreds of venues around the world have been home to shows from GGP, among them: the international tour of John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean; and the national tours of Dinosaur Train Live! and Sid The Science Kid Live! GGP works with exceptional creative organizations including Jim Henson Productions; Jim Henson Creative Shop; Out of the Blue Productions; Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; Carnival Cruise Lines; Walt Disney Creative Entertainment; Walt Disney Imagineering; Disney Cruise Lines; and independent producers and writers, to create and implement some of the most original, outstanding family entertainment around the world.