Post by HorrorBob on May 28, 2009 21:03:29 GMT -5
Creature From The Black Lagoon - A Raging Rockin' Show!
“CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON—A RAGING ROCKIN’ SHOW”
DEBUTS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD,
THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF L.A.,
IN A HIP MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF UNIVERSAL’S HORROR CLASSIC
CREATURE CREDITS:
ATTRACTION OVERVIEW:
“Creature from The Black Lagoon—A Raging Rockin’ Show” is a new musical stage adaptation of the Universal horror classic, opening exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. With an approximate 25 minute running time, the show features an all-original score and dazzling Broadway-level production. This hip send-up to the classic thriller infuses romance and comic relief with extravagant stagecraft, acrobatic choreography and a hilarious and contemporary musical score certain to keep this highly entertaining musical moving at a sizzling pace.
AN AWARD-WINNING THEATRICAL PRODUCTION TEAM:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” opens exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood and is being realized for the stage by a multiple award-winning theatrical production team. These include:
Dale Mason, Vice President & Executive Art Director, Universal Parks & Resorts is responsible for the direction and execution of all Universal Creative projects worldwide.
Ross Osterman’s resume in themed entertainment as writer, concept designer, show producer and creative director expands to over 24 years. Working for the past 13 years as Creative Director and Head Writer of Universal Creative, his credits include such Universal Studios theme park attractions as “WaterWorld,” “Men In Black: Alien Attack,” “Disaster!,” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” opening at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure in 2010.
Gerard Alessandrini takes the helm as the production’s Director and is best known for creating, writing and directing all edition of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY worldwide. He’s also an accomplished television sitcom writer and performer and multiple award recipient that includes an Obie Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, two Lucille Lortel Awards and six Drama Desk Awards for FORBIDDEN BROADAY (three for Best Musical Revue and three for Best Lyrics of the Year).
Lynne Taylor-Corbett is the production’s Choreographer. Her credits include the dazzling choreography featured in Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon and Bewitched, starring Nicole Kidman She was twice nominated for a Tony Award® and a Drama Desk Award for direction and choreography of Broadway’s SWING
Fred Barton, is the production’s composer. He is a New York-based songwriter, TV composer, lyricist, librettist, director, actor, singer, orchestrator, conductor and pianist composer, best known as the co-creator-arranger-performer-pianist of the internationally acclaimed revue FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, in which he appeared in over 2,000 performances of the New York, L.A. and Boston productions.
Multi-Emmy Award® winner, Peter Fish is credited with Additional Music for the “Creature From the Black Lagoon.” He is a versatile and talented composer, arranger and producer whose career spans feature films, Top 10 singles and a network television series that includes composing Abel Ferrara's Warner Bros. Film Bodysnatchers, while co-producing the score.
Musical Director Michael Kevin Farrell has performed and recorded throughout the world as a keyboardist, musical director, and multi-instrumentalist. Since 2004, he has worked with legendary recording artist Morrissey and has written and recorded on a number of his albums, including the platinum You Are the Quarry, Live at Earls Court, Ringleader of the Tormentors, and his most recently Decca Greatest Hits album. Prior to that, Michael was the musical director/keyboardist for Grammy Award winning Epic Records artist Macy Gray. He continues to collaborate with her as a writer and has contributed material to Macy’s 2007 release, Big, produced by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas.
John Tolins is the production’s Writer. An accomplished playwright and screenwriter, his credits include authoring the play, THE LAST SUNDAY IN JUNE, an acclaimed Off-Broadway production as well as the critically-acclaimed play SECRETS OF THE TRADE, which enjoyed sold-out performances at the Black Dahlia Theatre in Los Angeles. He co-wrote the film, Martian Child, starring John Cusack and Amanda Peet, worked as a writer on Showtime’s celebrated “Queer As Folk,” and was the sole writer for the 2003 Tony Awards® which featured Hugh Jackman as host.
Scenic designer James Youmans, whose credits include Broadway’s “West Side Story and “Gypsy,” starring Patti Lupone as well as Barry Manilow’s Showstoppers International Tour, brings his vast experience in staging Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional and touring theatre set design to this production where he’s assumed new challenges in creating elaborate moving scenery and sets that change virtually unnoticed while the stage production continues.
One of the world’s leading production designers, Michael Curry has achieved international recognition as a master of puppetry and kinetic theatrical design. He has created iconic, exhilarating, profoundly moving performance experiences for such global entertainment brands as The Walt Disney Company, Cirque Du Soleil®, Universal Studios and The Olympics, as well as many international opera and stage companies. Select achievements in his 20-year career, include, costume design and fabrication for Director Ron Howard’s, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas; mask and puppet co-designer for Walt Disney Theatrical, Ltd. Broadway production of THE LION KING, and costume mechanics for Chita Rivera in the Tony Award® winning Broadway production of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.
Born and raised in Verona Italy, New York-based designer, Fabio Toblini takes the helm as the production’s Costume Designer. He has worked extensively in theatrical productions worldwide and is a Lucille Lortel nominated and TDF Irene Sharaff Young Master Award recipient.
Wig and Hair Designer, Carol F. Doran, extensive resume expands over 25 years in all mediums of entertainment, including film, television, theatre, opera and ballet, and has executed a wide array of diverse looks from reality and fantasy to historical and futuristic. Her wig design films credits include Borat, Charlie Wilson’s War, Gods and Monsters, Adaptation, Mission Impossible III and Spinal Tap, and television’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Six Feet Under,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Felicity.” Theatre credits extend to over 40 productions, including the London productions of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, CABARET and over 15 Centre Theatre Group Los Angeles productions, including PIPPIN, ROMEO AND JULIET, CANDIDE and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
Paul Rubin takes flight the Aerial Designer in creating complex flying sequences for the production’s two key protagonists, Kay and the Creature. He’s been honing this skill since 1988 and boasts a résumé that includes WICKED, PETER PAN with Cathy Rigby, DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES with Michael Crawford, and CURTAINS with Davie Hyde Pierce, and the Tony Awards®
Props Designer Peter Sarafin, has worked extensively in numerous Broadway and Off Broadway productions, that include THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMOR, THE EVIL DEAD MUSICAL, KING HEADLY II, SANDRA BERNHARD EVERYTHING BAD AND BEAUTIFUL, SHREK THE MUSICAL and PIRATE QUEEN.
Lighting Designer Tom Ruzika is a recent recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and has enjoyed creating lighting for many varied productions and architectural spaces. His credits include Lighting Director at the South Coast Repertory Theatre, where he created designs for over 75 productions. Other credits include the South American premiere of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES in Buenos Aires, CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, JULIUS CESAR, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Mark Taper Forum. He also served as Lighting Designer for other Universal Studios Hollywood attractions, including “Backdraft,” “Earthquake” and “Back to the Future—The Ride.”
Sound Designer Philip G. Allen has designed nearly 100 theatrical shows, including Broadway’s SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS; the national tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (recipient of the 2003 NAACP award for Sound Design), THE TEN COMMANDMENTS starring Val Kilmer at the Kodak Theatre in L.A.; MEASURE FOR MEASURE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, CINDERELLA (recipient of the 1999 LA Drama Critics Circle Award), at the Ahmanson Theatre in L.A. He is also the recipient of five LA Dramalogue Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design, and two Ovation Award nominations for Best Sound Design.
Recently profiled in the New York Times Sunday Arts & Leisure section, Projections Designer Zachary Borovay utilizes cutting-edge computer technology and old world techniques to bring a soulful and organic world to life on stage. His credits include the Off-Broadway production of ROCK OF AGES, TO BE OR NOT TO BE on Broadway, LES MISERABLES National Tour, A CATERED AFFAIR on Broadway (Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Projection and Video Design), The Radio City Music Hall 75TH CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, and both the Broadway and National Tour of XANADU.
Producer Marc Routh’s credits include the current NY and touring productions of STOMP (Drama Desk Award and Obie Award for Unique Theatre Experience), as well as Broadway’s SWEENEY TODD, HAIRSPRAY (Tony Award®, Drama Desk Award, Drama Critics Circle, Drama League Award, Best Musical), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, GYPSY, starring Patti LuPone (Tony Award® Nominated for Best Revival), Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE PRODUCERS (Tony Award®, Drama Desk Award, Drama Critics Circle, Drama League Award, Dora Award, Variety Critics Poll Award, Evening Standard Award, Helpmann Award, Best Musical) SWING! (Tony Award® Nomination for Best Musical), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Tony Award® Nomination for Best Musical Revival) starring Richard Chamberlain, and FOREVER TANGO.
MORE INFORMATION:
More information about “Creature From the Black Lagoon” and to purchase tickets to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
CREATURE FEATURE FACTS:
ATTRACTION OVERVIEW:
“Creature from The Black Lagoon—A Raging Rockin’ Show” is a new musical stage adaptation of the Universal horror classic, opening exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. With an approximate 25 minute running time, the show features an all-original score and dazzling Broadway-level production. This hip send-up to the classic thriller infuses romance and comic relief with extravagant stagecraft, acrobatic choreography and a hilarious and contemporary musical score certain to keep this highly entertaining musical moving at a sizzling pace.
THE GUEST EXPERIENCE:
Audiences will be immersed within a menacing Amazon environment, completely enveloped by the exotic sounds and feel of the jungle as they watch a twisted love story between beauty and beast, fraught with rage, romance and sweet revenge, unfold. From the production’s first moments, guests will be thrust into an unexpectedly outrageous, bizarrely romantic, melodic and often outlandishly comic adventure as this monster classic is re-imagined for the 21st Century.
THE CAST OF CHARACTERS:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” is comprised of a versatile cast of multi-talented performers, singing, dancing and flying into six starring roles along with several crew members to round out the cast:
The Creature, aka “Gill”: is a menacing and tormented reptilian-man, residing within the Amazon River. He lives an isolated and lonely existence, that is, until he lays eyes upon love interest Kay.
Kay: Is the beautiful and intellectual scientist, engaged to be married to the emotionally detached scientist David. Her lust for life and passion for living creates a void between the two in their already strained relationship.
Mark: Is the quintessential spoiled and obnoxious rich kid leading the expedition. He has two objectives in accomplishing the dangerous mission: to capture the Creature and achieve fame and glory, and to land the lovely Kay.
David: Is the very analytical, dispassionate lead scientist. He’s also fellow scientist Kay’s fiancé. And as clichés go, the two are polar opposites; he is a bit of cold fish compared to the emotionally available Kay.
Captina Miranda: Is the Rita’s Captain. She is an exotic native voodoo queen most notable for her bouts of melodramatic trances of doom and gloom.
A Cook: Who creates his own recipes for disaster.
ABOUT THE GIANT CREATURE:
A behemoth 25-ft. Creature towers on stage in the production’s finale as the larger than life monster stakes his claim on his beloved Kay.
The complex, fully articulated Creature was conceptualized from the creative mind of leading Production Designer, Michael Curry, and emerges on stage as one of the world’s largest puppets. In fact, five trained puppeteers, hidden within various body parts of the Creature, bring the Creature to life as the love story comes to a melodramatic close. Working in choreographed unison, the puppeteers inhabit each of the Creature’s arms and its gigantic head, with two puppeteers stationed at the Creature’s base to move it forwards and back.
ABOUT THE RITA:
The signature Rita boat featured in the attraction was created to mirror an authentic wooden vessel, similar to the one used in the original film. Tipping the scale at over two tons, the Rita will appear to float on water as it gets hoisted mid-air with the aid of specially constructed cables that appear to disappear from the audience’s perspective. Through slight of sight illusion achieved with precise lighting and fog effects, The Rita will seemingly float weightlessly before a captive audience.
At 18.5 feet in length x 8.5 feet in width x 16 feet in height, the Rita will have an impressive stage presence and be large enough to support the crew lead by Captina Miranda stationed at its steering wheel. In actuality, video monitors and a special effects team will be housed within the boat’s interior to carefully navigate the Rita, outfitted with wheels, to all corners of the stage.
A VERY ORIGINAL CREATURE SCORE:
The story of the “Creature From the Black Lagoon” will unfold to an original score, produced by award-winning composers and lyricists. Songs include:
“Black Lagoon” – is the opening number created to convey the overall tone of the show and introduce the audience to the Amazon environment and cast of characters. The song reprises during the performance. Music by Fred Barton. Lyrics by Fred Barton, Gerard Alessandrini, Ross Osterman.
“Slay Me” – is Kay’s solo performed during her choreographed swimming sequence with the Creature. Music by Peter Fish. Lyrics by Peter Fish and Ross Osterman.
“Prime Evil” -- is an ensemble performance designed to tell the story of the Creature kidnapping Kay. Music by Peter Fish and Ross Osterman. Lyrics by Ross Osterman and Peter Fish.
“Strange New Hunger” -- is a duet / love song between Kay and the Creature. The song reprises during the performance. Music by Gerard Alessandrini and Fred Barton. Lyrics by Gerard Alessandrini, Ross Osterman and Fred Barton.
SPECIAL EFFECTS:
Elaborate state-of-the-art special effects will literally catapult “Creature From the Black Lagoon” to new heights as the seemingly ordinary set is transformed into the Amazon River before audiences’ very eyes. Through a special effects technique referred to as “Dry For Wet,” characters Kay and the Creature will be swept up into a synchronized swim sequence, pulsing harmoniously towards and away from one another, in a scene designed to replicate the infamous swim scene from the classic film.
To achieve the mesmerizing “Dry For Wet” swimming effect, leading Aerial Designer Paul Rubin developed tandem flying tracks situated adjacent to the catwalk portion of the stage. Characters Kay and the Creature are attached to these contraptions via a harness, hidden beneath their costumes. Two aerial tracks were created to fully execute this “Dry For Wet” swim sequence: a circular track for Kay that reaches 120 feet in circumference and a more angular track for the Creature that expands to 75 feet in length from one end of the stage to the other.
Accompanied by an all-original score, the romantic interlude will play out as swimsuit donning Kay floats seamlessly mid-air across the stage. Harnessed to the circular, aerial track, Kay will be gently lifted and lowered as she swims in harmony with the Creature, harnessed to his separate track as he swims just below her.
Further enhancing this overall “Dry For Wet” sequence is the floating Rita, which at an extraordinary two tons is powerfully hoisted mid-air via cables to appear as if it’s simply floating along the Amazon River.
SURROUND SOUND IN A VERY GREEN AMAZON:
Thousands of LED efficient lights will be incorporated into the very elaborate sets and weaved into countless set pieces. LED lights will illuminate the sets and scenic elements, including an intricate star field backdrop, designed to create the illusion of a twinkling sky. Thousands of feet of adjustable rope lighting will be infused with multi-colored LED lights to create the illusion of passing time from sunup to sundown and over 200 LED lights will illumine an enormous 8-foot round moon. To further enhance the sounds of the Amazon and engulf guests within the environment, the theatre will be upgraded to incorporate 40 surround sound speakers throughout the venue.
ELABORATE SETS:
From the moment guests enter the theatre, they will be immediately immersed within an Amazonian environment, reminiscent of the jungle featured in the original film. Detailed set pieces include thousands of feet of twisting vines that have been meticulously hand sculpted, hand carved, custom painted and individually outfitted with thousands of miniature LED lights to add depth and texture to a jungle environs.
A giant state-of-the-art mechanical roll-up movie screen sits center stage with its edges seamlessly integrated into the adjoining scenery. At 40 feet x 23 feet, the immense screen serves to illustrate story lines with music and video content as well as to serve as a backdrop with scenic projections. To maintain the production’s 25-minute momentum and its need for swift, uninterrupted scenic changes, a giant screen was specially-devised to roll up and down at a rapid pace of four feet per second, twice as fast as an ordinary screen. The use of atmospheric fog will also be used to enhance scenes, while simultaneously aid in concealing quick set changes, unbeknownst to the audience.
AN AWARD-WINNING THEATRICAL PRODUCTION TEAM:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” opens exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood and is being realized for the stage by a multiple award-winning theatrical production team. These include:
Dale Mason Vice President, Executive Art Director,
Universal Creative
Ross Osterman Creative Director / Writer, Universal Creative
Gerard Alessandrini Director
Lynne Taylor-Corbet Choreographer
Fred Barton Composer
Peter Fish Additional Music
Michael Kevin Farrell Musical Director
John Tolins Writer
James Youmans Scenic Designer
Michael Curry Creature & Puppet Designer
Fabio Toblini Costumer Designer
Carol F. Doran Wig Designer
Paul Rubin Aerial Designer
Peter Sarafin Props Designer
Fabio Toblini Costume Designer
Carol F. Doran Wig and Hair Designer
Paul Rubin Aerial Designer
Peter Sarafin Props Designer
Tom Ruzika Lighting Designer
Philip G. Allen Sound Designer
Zachary Borovay Projections Designer
Marc Routh Producer
WHEN IT OPENS:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” will debut at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. on July 1, 2009.
THEATRE CAPACITY& LENGTH:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” will unfold over five acts and last approximately 25 minutes within a 1,700 seat theatre.
MORE INFORMATION:
More information about “Creature From the Black Lagoon” and to purchase tickets to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
“CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON—A RAGING ROCKIN’ SHOW”
DEBUTS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD,
THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF L.A.,
IN A HIP MUSICAL ADAPTATION OF UNIVERSAL’S HORROR CLASSIC
CREATURE CREDITS:
ATTRACTION OVERVIEW:
“Creature from The Black Lagoon—A Raging Rockin’ Show” is a new musical stage adaptation of the Universal horror classic, opening exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. With an approximate 25 minute running time, the show features an all-original score and dazzling Broadway-level production. This hip send-up to the classic thriller infuses romance and comic relief with extravagant stagecraft, acrobatic choreography and a hilarious and contemporary musical score certain to keep this highly entertaining musical moving at a sizzling pace.
AN AWARD-WINNING THEATRICAL PRODUCTION TEAM:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” opens exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood and is being realized for the stage by a multiple award-winning theatrical production team. These include:
Dale Mason, Vice President & Executive Art Director, Universal Parks & Resorts is responsible for the direction and execution of all Universal Creative projects worldwide.
Ross Osterman’s resume in themed entertainment as writer, concept designer, show producer and creative director expands to over 24 years. Working for the past 13 years as Creative Director and Head Writer of Universal Creative, his credits include such Universal Studios theme park attractions as “WaterWorld,” “Men In Black: Alien Attack,” “Disaster!,” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” opening at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure in 2010.
Gerard Alessandrini takes the helm as the production’s Director and is best known for creating, writing and directing all edition of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY worldwide. He’s also an accomplished television sitcom writer and performer and multiple award recipient that includes an Obie Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, two Lucille Lortel Awards and six Drama Desk Awards for FORBIDDEN BROADAY (three for Best Musical Revue and three for Best Lyrics of the Year).
Lynne Taylor-Corbett is the production’s Choreographer. Her credits include the dazzling choreography featured in Footloose, starring Kevin Bacon and Bewitched, starring Nicole Kidman She was twice nominated for a Tony Award® and a Drama Desk Award for direction and choreography of Broadway’s SWING
Fred Barton, is the production’s composer. He is a New York-based songwriter, TV composer, lyricist, librettist, director, actor, singer, orchestrator, conductor and pianist composer, best known as the co-creator-arranger-performer-pianist of the internationally acclaimed revue FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, in which he appeared in over 2,000 performances of the New York, L.A. and Boston productions.
Multi-Emmy Award® winner, Peter Fish is credited with Additional Music for the “Creature From the Black Lagoon.” He is a versatile and talented composer, arranger and producer whose career spans feature films, Top 10 singles and a network television series that includes composing Abel Ferrara's Warner Bros. Film Bodysnatchers, while co-producing the score.
Musical Director Michael Kevin Farrell has performed and recorded throughout the world as a keyboardist, musical director, and multi-instrumentalist. Since 2004, he has worked with legendary recording artist Morrissey and has written and recorded on a number of his albums, including the platinum You Are the Quarry, Live at Earls Court, Ringleader of the Tormentors, and his most recently Decca Greatest Hits album. Prior to that, Michael was the musical director/keyboardist for Grammy Award winning Epic Records artist Macy Gray. He continues to collaborate with her as a writer and has contributed material to Macy’s 2007 release, Big, produced by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas.
John Tolins is the production’s Writer. An accomplished playwright and screenwriter, his credits include authoring the play, THE LAST SUNDAY IN JUNE, an acclaimed Off-Broadway production as well as the critically-acclaimed play SECRETS OF THE TRADE, which enjoyed sold-out performances at the Black Dahlia Theatre in Los Angeles. He co-wrote the film, Martian Child, starring John Cusack and Amanda Peet, worked as a writer on Showtime’s celebrated “Queer As Folk,” and was the sole writer for the 2003 Tony Awards® which featured Hugh Jackman as host.
Scenic designer James Youmans, whose credits include Broadway’s “West Side Story and “Gypsy,” starring Patti Lupone as well as Barry Manilow’s Showstoppers International Tour, brings his vast experience in staging Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional and touring theatre set design to this production where he’s assumed new challenges in creating elaborate moving scenery and sets that change virtually unnoticed while the stage production continues.
One of the world’s leading production designers, Michael Curry has achieved international recognition as a master of puppetry and kinetic theatrical design. He has created iconic, exhilarating, profoundly moving performance experiences for such global entertainment brands as The Walt Disney Company, Cirque Du Soleil®, Universal Studios and The Olympics, as well as many international opera and stage companies. Select achievements in his 20-year career, include, costume design and fabrication for Director Ron Howard’s, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas; mask and puppet co-designer for Walt Disney Theatrical, Ltd. Broadway production of THE LION KING, and costume mechanics for Chita Rivera in the Tony Award® winning Broadway production of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.
Born and raised in Verona Italy, New York-based designer, Fabio Toblini takes the helm as the production’s Costume Designer. He has worked extensively in theatrical productions worldwide and is a Lucille Lortel nominated and TDF Irene Sharaff Young Master Award recipient.
Wig and Hair Designer, Carol F. Doran, extensive resume expands over 25 years in all mediums of entertainment, including film, television, theatre, opera and ballet, and has executed a wide array of diverse looks from reality and fantasy to historical and futuristic. Her wig design films credits include Borat, Charlie Wilson’s War, Gods and Monsters, Adaptation, Mission Impossible III and Spinal Tap, and television’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Six Feet Under,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Felicity.” Theatre credits extend to over 40 productions, including the London productions of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, CABARET and over 15 Centre Theatre Group Los Angeles productions, including PIPPIN, ROMEO AND JULIET, CANDIDE and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.
Paul Rubin takes flight the Aerial Designer in creating complex flying sequences for the production’s two key protagonists, Kay and the Creature. He’s been honing this skill since 1988 and boasts a résumé that includes WICKED, PETER PAN with Cathy Rigby, DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES with Michael Crawford, and CURTAINS with Davie Hyde Pierce, and the Tony Awards®
Props Designer Peter Sarafin, has worked extensively in numerous Broadway and Off Broadway productions, that include THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMOR, THE EVIL DEAD MUSICAL, KING HEADLY II, SANDRA BERNHARD EVERYTHING BAD AND BEAUTIFUL, SHREK THE MUSICAL and PIRATE QUEEN.
Lighting Designer Tom Ruzika is a recent recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and has enjoyed creating lighting for many varied productions and architectural spaces. His credits include Lighting Director at the South Coast Repertory Theatre, where he created designs for over 75 productions. Other credits include the South American premiere of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES in Buenos Aires, CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, JULIUS CESAR, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Mark Taper Forum. He also served as Lighting Designer for other Universal Studios Hollywood attractions, including “Backdraft,” “Earthquake” and “Back to the Future—The Ride.”
Sound Designer Philip G. Allen has designed nearly 100 theatrical shows, including Broadway’s SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS; the national tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (recipient of the 2003 NAACP award for Sound Design), THE TEN COMMANDMENTS starring Val Kilmer at the Kodak Theatre in L.A.; MEASURE FOR MEASURE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, CINDERELLA (recipient of the 1999 LA Drama Critics Circle Award), at the Ahmanson Theatre in L.A. He is also the recipient of five LA Dramalogue Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design, and two Ovation Award nominations for Best Sound Design.
Recently profiled in the New York Times Sunday Arts & Leisure section, Projections Designer Zachary Borovay utilizes cutting-edge computer technology and old world techniques to bring a soulful and organic world to life on stage. His credits include the Off-Broadway production of ROCK OF AGES, TO BE OR NOT TO BE on Broadway, LES MISERABLES National Tour, A CATERED AFFAIR on Broadway (Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Projection and Video Design), The Radio City Music Hall 75TH CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, and both the Broadway and National Tour of XANADU.
Producer Marc Routh’s credits include the current NY and touring productions of STOMP (Drama Desk Award and Obie Award for Unique Theatre Experience), as well as Broadway’s SWEENEY TODD, HAIRSPRAY (Tony Award®, Drama Desk Award, Drama Critics Circle, Drama League Award, Best Musical), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, GYPSY, starring Patti LuPone (Tony Award® Nominated for Best Revival), Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE PRODUCERS (Tony Award®, Drama Desk Award, Drama Critics Circle, Drama League Award, Dora Award, Variety Critics Poll Award, Evening Standard Award, Helpmann Award, Best Musical) SWING! (Tony Award® Nomination for Best Musical), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Tony Award® Nomination for Best Musical Revival) starring Richard Chamberlain, and FOREVER TANGO.
MORE INFORMATION:
More information about “Creature From the Black Lagoon” and to purchase tickets to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.
CREATURE FEATURE FACTS:
ATTRACTION OVERVIEW:
“Creature from The Black Lagoon—A Raging Rockin’ Show” is a new musical stage adaptation of the Universal horror classic, opening exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. With an approximate 25 minute running time, the show features an all-original score and dazzling Broadway-level production. This hip send-up to the classic thriller infuses romance and comic relief with extravagant stagecraft, acrobatic choreography and a hilarious and contemporary musical score certain to keep this highly entertaining musical moving at a sizzling pace.
THE GUEST EXPERIENCE:
Audiences will be immersed within a menacing Amazon environment, completely enveloped by the exotic sounds and feel of the jungle as they watch a twisted love story between beauty and beast, fraught with rage, romance and sweet revenge, unfold. From the production’s first moments, guests will be thrust into an unexpectedly outrageous, bizarrely romantic, melodic and often outlandishly comic adventure as this monster classic is re-imagined for the 21st Century.
THE CAST OF CHARACTERS:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” is comprised of a versatile cast of multi-talented performers, singing, dancing and flying into six starring roles along with several crew members to round out the cast:
The Creature, aka “Gill”: is a menacing and tormented reptilian-man, residing within the Amazon River. He lives an isolated and lonely existence, that is, until he lays eyes upon love interest Kay.
Kay: Is the beautiful and intellectual scientist, engaged to be married to the emotionally detached scientist David. Her lust for life and passion for living creates a void between the two in their already strained relationship.
Mark: Is the quintessential spoiled and obnoxious rich kid leading the expedition. He has two objectives in accomplishing the dangerous mission: to capture the Creature and achieve fame and glory, and to land the lovely Kay.
David: Is the very analytical, dispassionate lead scientist. He’s also fellow scientist Kay’s fiancé. And as clichés go, the two are polar opposites; he is a bit of cold fish compared to the emotionally available Kay.
Captina Miranda: Is the Rita’s Captain. She is an exotic native voodoo queen most notable for her bouts of melodramatic trances of doom and gloom.
A Cook: Who creates his own recipes for disaster.
ABOUT THE GIANT CREATURE:
A behemoth 25-ft. Creature towers on stage in the production’s finale as the larger than life monster stakes his claim on his beloved Kay.
The complex, fully articulated Creature was conceptualized from the creative mind of leading Production Designer, Michael Curry, and emerges on stage as one of the world’s largest puppets. In fact, five trained puppeteers, hidden within various body parts of the Creature, bring the Creature to life as the love story comes to a melodramatic close. Working in choreographed unison, the puppeteers inhabit each of the Creature’s arms and its gigantic head, with two puppeteers stationed at the Creature’s base to move it forwards and back.
ABOUT THE RITA:
The signature Rita boat featured in the attraction was created to mirror an authentic wooden vessel, similar to the one used in the original film. Tipping the scale at over two tons, the Rita will appear to float on water as it gets hoisted mid-air with the aid of specially constructed cables that appear to disappear from the audience’s perspective. Through slight of sight illusion achieved with precise lighting and fog effects, The Rita will seemingly float weightlessly before a captive audience.
At 18.5 feet in length x 8.5 feet in width x 16 feet in height, the Rita will have an impressive stage presence and be large enough to support the crew lead by Captina Miranda stationed at its steering wheel. In actuality, video monitors and a special effects team will be housed within the boat’s interior to carefully navigate the Rita, outfitted with wheels, to all corners of the stage.
A VERY ORIGINAL CREATURE SCORE:
The story of the “Creature From the Black Lagoon” will unfold to an original score, produced by award-winning composers and lyricists. Songs include:
“Black Lagoon” – is the opening number created to convey the overall tone of the show and introduce the audience to the Amazon environment and cast of characters. The song reprises during the performance. Music by Fred Barton. Lyrics by Fred Barton, Gerard Alessandrini, Ross Osterman.
“Slay Me” – is Kay’s solo performed during her choreographed swimming sequence with the Creature. Music by Peter Fish. Lyrics by Peter Fish and Ross Osterman.
“Prime Evil” -- is an ensemble performance designed to tell the story of the Creature kidnapping Kay. Music by Peter Fish and Ross Osterman. Lyrics by Ross Osterman and Peter Fish.
“Strange New Hunger” -- is a duet / love song between Kay and the Creature. The song reprises during the performance. Music by Gerard Alessandrini and Fred Barton. Lyrics by Gerard Alessandrini, Ross Osterman and Fred Barton.
SPECIAL EFFECTS:
Elaborate state-of-the-art special effects will literally catapult “Creature From the Black Lagoon” to new heights as the seemingly ordinary set is transformed into the Amazon River before audiences’ very eyes. Through a special effects technique referred to as “Dry For Wet,” characters Kay and the Creature will be swept up into a synchronized swim sequence, pulsing harmoniously towards and away from one another, in a scene designed to replicate the infamous swim scene from the classic film.
To achieve the mesmerizing “Dry For Wet” swimming effect, leading Aerial Designer Paul Rubin developed tandem flying tracks situated adjacent to the catwalk portion of the stage. Characters Kay and the Creature are attached to these contraptions via a harness, hidden beneath their costumes. Two aerial tracks were created to fully execute this “Dry For Wet” swim sequence: a circular track for Kay that reaches 120 feet in circumference and a more angular track for the Creature that expands to 75 feet in length from one end of the stage to the other.
Accompanied by an all-original score, the romantic interlude will play out as swimsuit donning Kay floats seamlessly mid-air across the stage. Harnessed to the circular, aerial track, Kay will be gently lifted and lowered as she swims in harmony with the Creature, harnessed to his separate track as he swims just below her.
Further enhancing this overall “Dry For Wet” sequence is the floating Rita, which at an extraordinary two tons is powerfully hoisted mid-air via cables to appear as if it’s simply floating along the Amazon River.
SURROUND SOUND IN A VERY GREEN AMAZON:
Thousands of LED efficient lights will be incorporated into the very elaborate sets and weaved into countless set pieces. LED lights will illuminate the sets and scenic elements, including an intricate star field backdrop, designed to create the illusion of a twinkling sky. Thousands of feet of adjustable rope lighting will be infused with multi-colored LED lights to create the illusion of passing time from sunup to sundown and over 200 LED lights will illumine an enormous 8-foot round moon. To further enhance the sounds of the Amazon and engulf guests within the environment, the theatre will be upgraded to incorporate 40 surround sound speakers throughout the venue.
ELABORATE SETS:
From the moment guests enter the theatre, they will be immediately immersed within an Amazonian environment, reminiscent of the jungle featured in the original film. Detailed set pieces include thousands of feet of twisting vines that have been meticulously hand sculpted, hand carved, custom painted and individually outfitted with thousands of miniature LED lights to add depth and texture to a jungle environs.
A giant state-of-the-art mechanical roll-up movie screen sits center stage with its edges seamlessly integrated into the adjoining scenery. At 40 feet x 23 feet, the immense screen serves to illustrate story lines with music and video content as well as to serve as a backdrop with scenic projections. To maintain the production’s 25-minute momentum and its need for swift, uninterrupted scenic changes, a giant screen was specially-devised to roll up and down at a rapid pace of four feet per second, twice as fast as an ordinary screen. The use of atmospheric fog will also be used to enhance scenes, while simultaneously aid in concealing quick set changes, unbeknownst to the audience.
AN AWARD-WINNING THEATRICAL PRODUCTION TEAM:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” opens exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood and is being realized for the stage by a multiple award-winning theatrical production team. These include:
Dale Mason Vice President, Executive Art Director,
Universal Creative
Ross Osterman Creative Director / Writer, Universal Creative
Gerard Alessandrini Director
Lynne Taylor-Corbet Choreographer
Fred Barton Composer
Peter Fish Additional Music
Michael Kevin Farrell Musical Director
John Tolins Writer
James Youmans Scenic Designer
Michael Curry Creature & Puppet Designer
Fabio Toblini Costumer Designer
Carol F. Doran Wig Designer
Paul Rubin Aerial Designer
Peter Sarafin Props Designer
Fabio Toblini Costume Designer
Carol F. Doran Wig and Hair Designer
Paul Rubin Aerial Designer
Peter Sarafin Props Designer
Tom Ruzika Lighting Designer
Philip G. Allen Sound Designer
Zachary Borovay Projections Designer
Marc Routh Producer
WHEN IT OPENS:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” will debut at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A. on July 1, 2009.
THEATRE CAPACITY& LENGTH:
“Creature From the Black Lagoon” will unfold over five acts and last approximately 25 minutes within a 1,700 seat theatre.
MORE INFORMATION:
More information about “Creature From the Black Lagoon” and to purchase tickets to The Entertainment Capital of L.A., www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.