The largest theatre afloat until the advent of the most recent “super” ships, the FRANCE’s Salle Spectacle could seat 660 in its two levels. Of course, the Verandah Deck balcony was for First Class and the Promenade Deck main level was for Tourist. Structurally, not much has changed other than the balcony extensions on either side and a larger stage.
As “Norway’s” Saga Theater, it gave birth to the show palaces seen aboard the modern fleet of cruise ships, with NCL’s unprecedented stage productions. Saga Theatre. Seating capacity 813 (8,500 Sq Ft). An excellent meeting/seminar location with capability for virtually any A/V presentation. This two-story proscenium theater also features a lavish Broadway musical and a Las Vegas-style revue.
The two DP70 projectors installed at Todd-AO Studios #1 (SN 1741 and 1744) were originally installed in the SS France as indicated, but were destined to be scrapped when the ship was retrofitted as the SS Norway in Bremerhaven Germany. The projectors narrowly escaped the crusher and were salvaged by Stephen Woolley and Mark Engebretson who recognized the value of these magnificent two-motored machines. The DP70s were crated and shipped to their Van Nuys, CA office, cleaned and re-sold to Todd-AO in 1980 or 1981.
Clarence Sisk 