Photo Flash: John Tartaglia's IMAGINOCEAN! Opens at New World Stages

John Tartaglia's IMAGINOCEAN!, a new family musical set in the depths of the ocean, will make its New York debut at New World Stages. Previews began March 17, 2010, with an opening night set for March 31, 2010.

Chock-full of puppets, special effects and an original score that ranges from Motown to swing, IMAGINOCEAN! tells the story of three best friends who just happen to be fish-
Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel, and their journey through the ocean to find a secret, hidden treasure. Jellyfish, Seahorses and even a big, lovable octopus join in on the fun. Magic abounds as the audience is transported to the depths of the ocean for a truly magical adventure.

The whimsical production features music by composer William Wade and lovable and adorable characters built by innovative artists at The Puppet Kitchen in New York City. Broadway stage veteran, director and choreographer Donna Drake directs the cast of puppeteers.

John is executive producer and star of "Johnny and the Sprites" (now airing worldwide). Tartaglia earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Avenue Q, for which he originated the roles of Princeton and Rod. Tartaglia was most recently seen on Broadway starring as Pinocchio in Shrek The Musical and also as Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. A 10-year veteran of "Sesame Street," Tartaglia is one of the youngest puppeteers ever to perform on the show, starting at the age of 16. In addition to his work on "Sesame Street," he also starred in Sesame Workshop's innovative English as a Foreign Language project, "Sesame English," which currently airs worldwide. Tartaglia has also appeared on Disney Channel's "Bear in the Big Blue House" and "JoJo's Circus" and Discovery Channel's "Animal Jam." He is a past host of the New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts.

"The show has just developed a life of its own." says Tartaglia. "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 show premiered on November 20, 2009 on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas.

For more information about John Tartaglia's IMAGINOCEAN!, visit www.imaginoceanthemusical.com

Photos by Aaron Epstein