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Blue Horizons at Seaworld Orlando
Breakthrough Dolphin Spectacular

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 2005) – This May, SeaWorld Orlando debuts a new breed of animal show -- the likes of which have never before been seen -- with the opening of Blue Horizons.

This breakthrough theatrical spectacular unites sea and sky with visions of Broadway as it showcases majestic animals, spirited performers and exotic birds.

To create this dynamic show, SeaWorld has collaborated with the entertainment mecca’s most inventive and artistic experts, marrying great theatrical extravagance -- seen in the larger-than-life set, dramatic costuming and intriguing show development -- with the awe-inspiring feats of SeaWorld animals and trainers.

A young girl’s vivid imagination sets the stage for an extravaganza of graceful dolphins, ominous false killer whales and a rainbow of exotic birds including blue and gold macaws, Andean condors and sun conures. In a show filled with action both above and under the water, a cast of divers and aerialists – dressed in elaborate costumes and symbolizing sea and sky – plunge off the elaborate set into, and also propel out of, the deep blue water.

“Blue Horizons is truly unique as it seamlessly blends the amazing power and grace of SeaWorld’s dolphins and false killer whales with the lavish splendor of Broadway,” said Stanley Meyer, Blue Horizons set designer and show consultant. Meyer is best known for his work designing the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast.
“Only SeaWorld could create such a spectacular concept, a type of show that can be seen nowhere else in the world,” said Meyer. “It creates a completely new benchmark of awe-inspiring entertainment.”

Meyer is responsible for creating the theatrical set design for Blue Horizons. Using elements of the sea and sky -- and a young girl’s vivid imagination --- as his inspiration, Meyer designed a whimsical, yet dramatic, atmosphere with an immense rising sun, hundreds of iridescent bubbles, and an elaborate, 40-foot-high framework which envelops the pool and balances divers and aerialists as they plunge from bungees and soar on “cloud swings.”

Relying on the brilliant colors of the macaws and sun conures, renowned costume designer, Tracy Christensen, is developing the elaborate wardrobe to transform the aerialists and divers into characters of sea and sky. Having previously worked on well-known productions including Fiddler on the Roof and Beauty and the Beast, Christensen is incorporating a variety of textures and fabrics never before used in a SeaWorld show.

While these characters sway from “cloud swings” and dive off the elaborate set, the true stars of the show grace the waters below. SeaWorld’s dolphins and false killer whales leap their way into this dreamy adventure with no apparent direction from trainers. Twenty macaws, Andean condors and sun conures will soar over the audience as they ascend toward the horizon.

Blue Horizons debuts to a stirring, original musical score performed by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. The opening of Blue Horizons kicks off a summer filled with exciting shows both day and night at SeaWorld Orlando.

Once the sun sets below the horizon, the majesty of the sea comes to life in SeaWorld’s largest nighttime finale, Mistify. The biggest blockbuster of last summer, this amazing show is brought back by popular demand for this season. SeaWorld’s center lake is stage to the new spectacular featuring larger-than-life marine creatures on 60-foot mist screens, 100-foot fountains, flames on water and dazzling fireworks. From the shores of The Waterfront seaport village, “Mistify” soars against a backdrop of stars as it conveys the incredible power and beauty of an underwater wonderland as seen through the imagination of a young child.

SeaWorld Orlando is the world’s premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. Millions of visitors have explored the mysteries of the sea with up-close animal interactions and exhilarating experiences. State-of-the-art rides give guests unprecedented thrills, while amazing animal encounters include killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, sharks and more.