By now I am sure you have at least heard of it. Walking with Dinosaurs, the Arena Spectacular (which begs the question: when did spectacular go from being an adjective to a noun?). It has been touring for 3 years, and before that it was 10 years of creating at a cost of $20 million by essentially puppetering geniuses. Yeah you heard me, these LIFE SIZE Dinosaurs are ‘voo doo puppets’, which are controlled live by off stage puppeteers. The entire concept was born out of a TV special by the same name which used smaller models and special effects to help bring to life the world of the dinosaurs. When that was completed they decided to attempt the impossible…to create life size, MOVING dinosaurs that could perform and act and re-act. Having no technological precedent whole new technologies, processes and materials were developed. You can see some of that process in the clip below:
I had seen this documentary on the making of the show several times. It seems to be on every time I can’t sleep. And frankly it is mesmerizing. The best example of technology and creativity I have seen. And now on with the show (review)….
Well it was AMAZING. I was concerned in the opening scene when I thought it went all ‘Nemo’ on me- by showing a baby dinosaur snatched from its egg and EATEN by another. And then to hear a 3 year old little girl behind me say “where did the baby go daddy? Why did the baby go daddy?” about a hundred times didn’t help. But after that? It is a truly family (all age) show. The show is held together with a storyline told by a paleontologist who attempts to squeeze in as much educational information as possible while we are all basically sitting there thinking ‘um, yeah can you just bring out another amazing dinosaur?’. But have no fear- there are many of amazing creatures to behold. And they move with such lifelike fluidity you begin to question your own sanity.
And yes, there is a star of the show. And he is introduced with the rock star entrance he deserves…
Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Turns out he is the Elvis of the Jurassic Period or something. Who knew.
Alert: There are only EIGHT performances at The Honda Center (now to Sept 12)
This is the END of the tour people. No more chances.
Call NOW and get tickets 1-800-745-3000
A special thank you to The Honda Center for making this review possible.
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Startling. I think I would believe in dinosaurs (I mean current) if I saw that show. I tend to believe everything. Looks like FUN!