PW July 09 P30-34.qxd 6/24/09 10:21 am Page 31
Live Entertainment
www.parkworld-online.com
shows were scheduled to run on the hour, targeted towards families
with young children so that those who were too small to go on the rides Top Rockers at Thorpe Park
with their taller siblings could enjoy the 15-minute spectacle. The
appeal to Thorpe Park was that the concerts could play to over 100
people sitting and many more passing by, giving a really good return
on investment.” Featuring the Top Rockers, the show is now in its fourth
season at the London park.
But if you’re thinking of using a show just to pull in guests, rather
then just keep them happy when they get there, Goddard offers this
caveat: “Adding a ‘skip and wave’ show with six guys and girls singing
patriotic songs might be a nice addition to the park's overall
atmosphere, but its not going to bring extra guests. Shows that bring in
people are either large-scale spectaculars, unique touring shows with
broad family appeal, name talent shows or original 'event' productions
like Glow in the Park. The right show or night event can bring more
people to the park at a fraction of what a signature new ride would
cost. But the key is – the show has to be a cut above any typical theme
park show.”
Magical Starlight Parade
In total over 30 floats are used to bring the show to life as
guests are told, “Wishes can come true!” The parade features
Opened in March at Universal Studios Japan, this new night many popular tales, and each float is designed to inspire park
parade lights up the Osaka-based theme park with a rainbow of guests The Alice in Wonderland float, for example, evokes the
colours, stunning floats, costumes and a mesmerising soundtrack. spirit of “imagination,” the Arabian Nights floats brings a sense
Produced by Sylvia Hase and Steve Bass of HASBAS, the parade of “adventure” and the Cinderella float creates an overwhelming
features a cast of over 100 puppets and performers, delivering an feeling of “romance.”
intimate guest experience on a very grand scale. Design and Many of the floats feature elaborate lighting, audio systems and
production support was provided by Utopia Entertainment of California. special effects The parade is performed to an original musical score
composed by Alan Lee Silva called Light Up The Night and this
combined with amazing costumes and light effects to create a
wonderful finish to a memorable day at the park.
Because the parade is so large, the largest in Universal Studios
Japan’s history, several design considerations were essential to
making it a success. For example, it was important to control the
music properly within the playback zones, space the stories apart
and arrange new back of house storage facilities to accommodate
the large and very elaborate floats and costumes.
The international team of designers and consultants that put the
parade together also had to adhere to an accelerated production
schedule of less than one year from concept to completion.
“We were tasked with creating a friendly, warm experience
that would enchant park guests,” explains Norman Kahn,
Utopia Entertainment’s CEO and award-winning producer.
“Guaging from the reactions the experience has got, the goal
was met with great creativity and skill. Guests to Universal
Studios Japan will be enchanted by this wonderful spectacle for
years to come.”
Snoopy Rocks On Ice
Ice represent the largest investment
ever made in the park’s live
Featuring fabulous skating routines and toe-tapping music, Snoopy entertainment offering. At more
Rocks on Ice is the first production to take the stage at the new Good than 18,000 sq ft in size, the
Time Theatre at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The show multi-purpose, air-conditioned,
plays six days a week and features Snoopy along with a cast of over 600-seat facility opens this
a dozen world-class skaters. month (July) and features a
After two consecutive years of major capital investment at its 60ft-wide, 35ft-deep ice stage
Wildwater Kingdom waterpark and a suspended linear induction and state-of-the-art light and
coaster last summer, Dorney Park officials decided it was time to sound.
focus on children and families, and the new theatre was the solution. The theatre is located just to the left
At over $5 million, the Good Time Theatre and Snoopy Rocks on of the park’s main plaza.
JULY 2009
31
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48