25 Years of Music and the Magic of Disney: Meet Charlie
If you have enjoyed a musician’s set onboard a Disney Cruise Line ship in the last 15 years, there is a chance you’ve seen Charlie Reuter perform. Follow along for a deep dive into his career as a pianist and music captain, audition advice and an inside look at living and working on the Disney Wish!
“I always wanted to be the pianist in The Hollywood Brown Derby at the then Disney-MGM Studios, but I started as a tour guide at The Great Movie Ride and played piano on the weekends at a hotel on property. I’ve played for rehearsals, auditions, shows at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Theatricals, and the entire fleet of ships at Disney Cruise Line.”
When reflecting on his 25 years with The Walt Disney Company, Charlie recalls fond memories of watching Disney movies on television, visiting Disney Parks on family vacations and earning his ears for his first role with the company. Now, as a Music Captain on the Disney Wish, he enjoys the variety that comes with playing in multiple venues with different combinations of musicians, including donning pirate gear and adopting a pirate persona for Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party.
“Disney is an entertainment company first, that approaches anything they do with the highest quality. We are telling stories, we are making memories, and music is a big part of that legacy. ‘We Create Happiness’ is a Disney philosophy I see brought to life every day. Music connects to people in a very specific way, that’s personal to each listener, and perhaps most personal to the performers themselves.”
A typical day onboard with Disney Cruise Line isn’t all that different from the work Charlie would do at home in New York City, but on the Disney Wish, he can wake up with a gorgeous view of Disney Castaway Cay!
“A typical day could begin playing a wedding ceremony on Castaway Cay, a reception onboard the ship and an afternoon tune trivia. In the evenings, I could be found entertaining in the Nightingale’s lounge, playing along with the Victrophonics in the Grand Hall, or jamming with our house band, The Wishers, in the Bayou.”
To prepare for a musician contract with Disney Cruise Line, Charlie recommends learning as many songs as you can, in various styles and across multiple genres. He says it’s also important to pay attention to how people react to your music and encourages musicians to play outside of their comfort zone.
“I like to listen to what music is currently popular in Disney films and on the radio, and tailor sets to reflect what guests would be familiar with. In roles where we play as ensembles, I review the scores to not only refresh what I play but also study how all the musicians will perform together.”
Performing together is a key part of the role for musicians onboard as they can be arranged in duos, trios and quartets depending on the venue and set list they’re performing.
“Working as musicians is the sincerest form of cooperation any coworkers can have. Anything we do affects our fellow cast members, and consequently the audience, in real-time. Our musicians come from all around the world, bringing talents unique to their musical background, and we make that into one beautiful show.”
Ready to join our crew as a musician? Be sure to follow Disney Auditions on Instagram and Facebook for the latest audition opportunities and check out DisneyAuditions.com to learn more.
