‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ actors to fly above stage at Universal Studios Hollywood

When Universal Studios Hollywood adapts “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” for the stage starting on July 1, much of the underwater action will take place high above the stage.

Using a technique known as “dry for wet,” the creative team behind the audacious Broadway-style musical will transform the theme park stage using fog, lighting and aerial effects.

During the 25-minute show, an 18-foot-long boat rolling along the stage suddenly soars into the air via suspension cables, appearing to float on water high above the audience. A stage crew hiding inside the hull navigates the 2-ton boat while the cast acts on deck.

During the romantic and acrobatic high point of the production, the creature and his love interest fly through the air in a synchronized swim sequence with the aid of harnesses attached via cables to tandem overhead tracks.

For the melodramatic finale, the larger-than-life creature — in the form of a 25-foot-tall puppet — claims the girl, holding her in his arms. Behind the scenes, five puppeteers operate the head, arms and body of the creature.

To keep the action moving throughout the production, a 40-foot-wide roll-up video projection screen aids in storytelling and scene changes.

Find the latest amusement and theme park news at the Los Angeles Times Funland blog: www.latimes.com/funland. Follow Funland on Twitter.

— Brady MacDonald, Los Angeles Times staff writer

Image: Universal Studios Hollywood

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This entry was posted on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:13 am by Brady MacDonald and is filed under California, Family & Kids, Los Angeles, Theme Parks, Universal Studios Hollywood. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.