The promoters of Harbour Night have now cultivated "Crucian Fruits," a new cultural production to attract more cruise ships to St. Croix.
Hugh Dalton, Harbour Night manager and owner of Dalton Associates, said "Crucian Fruits" will be a heritage type of play based on how Crucian society has grafted together the fruits of African and European cultures. The 45-minute production, which will be performed in Fort Frederik on a 16-by-24-foot stage, was to have premiered Wednesday during the visit of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Destiny. The ship, however, is in drydock, so the show will debut on Dec. 22.
"Crucian Fruits" is written and produced by Willard John and stars Manuel Hunt and Linda Chancellor-George. Also featured will be the West End Masqueraders, African dancers and drummers Karamu Afi, Music In Motion and Willard John’s Mocko Jumbies.
The premiere is to allow Carnival representatives and locals to critique the production, Dalton said.
He said cruise lines are driven by revenue-generating projects that they can sell to passengers.
"They (Carnival) wanted to evaluate it before they sold it on the ship," he said. "And if we are doing a culture show, the community should at least come out and see it."
"Crucian Fruits" will be performed at night during the Destiny’s late port calls. Dalton said his company is discussing the idea of late departures with other lines as well.
The premiere of the production is on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. at Fort Frederik. Tickets are available at Dalton Associates at 210 Strand St. in Frederiksted. For more information call 772-4000.
