2/1/12 Iceploration Show at Busch Gardens Tampa – Photos and Video from Media Preview

Hi everyone!

We enjoyed a media preview yesterday of the new ice skating show at Busch Gardens (Tampa), Iceplorations. It’s really more than just ice skating, though – there are actors, real animals, amazing puppets and acrobatics! 

We have a full video of the show here!

Signs were already outside of the Moroccan Palace Theater:

We were welcomed to Iceploration by Busch Gardens Park President Jim Dean:

 

 

The first part of the story is like watching a play. Austin, a young boy, is encouraged by his world traveler grandfather to put away his technology and see the world with him. The following 30 minutes leads guests through the Serengeti, Great Barrier Reef, Arctic, and the Amazon rainforest. 

The costumes and sets are vibrant, and the various puppets are extremely lifelike (check out the elephants on skates below). 75 original costumes were created for Iceploration’s cast of 20, by Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes. What impresses me most is that the costumes are designed from head to toe (or head to skate!)

 

The Great Barrier Reef includes Austin “swimming” with a sea turtle:

 

The Arctic scene includes real Siberian huskies and a Siberian lynx (the latter wasn’t really interested in acting majestic during this showing!)

 

You won’t always see the same performers if going to multiple shows. There are two grandpas, four Austins (since the performers are young and can’t work as often), and more than one pair of featured skaters. We’ve seen the pair below in the Sea World Christmas ice show, and they are tremendous!

The Rainforest scene included an impressive frog puppet and monkeys on trampolines:

The finale of the show:

I haven’t yet mentioned that the music is also original – and catchy! The story, the music, the sets, the costumes – all were created specifically for this show. The time and money spent on Iceploration are clearly evident in every scene. The audience even is “snowed” on! Check out our video here.

We were taken backstage to take a peek at the puppets, props and meet a few of the talented people who are part of the production. The backstage area is very small for the amount of performers, sets, puppets, etc. that are part of Iceploration. The elephant puppets hang from the ceiling:

The frog puppet close up:

 

Nancy Hutson, Vice President of Entertainment:

We met with the actors and two of the Siberian husky dog trainers. I asked the trainers if huskies make good pets, and was told that they need more attention than many dogs (and that huskies will eat chew toys!) 

 

Inside the Moroccan Palace, there are photos and artwork of Iceploration – from concept to stage.

 

One of the banners promoting the show:

And we didn’t realize that Tony Orlando and his band were playing at Busch Gardens this week! We enjoyed a nearly 1 hour set that included his own hits, as well as favorites from the Beatles and Led Zeppelin. I had the opportunity to have dinner with Orlando a couple of years ago at an event honoring veterans (he often salutes and honors veterans), and am impressed by the way he shares the stage with his talented band. Nearly every band member had a solo during the show.

We also bought some kangaroo food at Walkabout Way, and the main recipient was this sleepy one! His eyes were nearly closed the whole time, but he was eager to eat. I love the kangaroos at Busch Gardens! 

Jeff with a wallaby:

If you haven’t been to Busch Gardens lately, this is a great time to go! With Iceploration, the new Animal Care Center, the Cheetah Hunt coaster, kangaroos and so much more – you will need more than one day to see everything.