ORLANDO -- A live animal show based on a cable TV program made its
premiere at both Universal Studios Florida here and Universal
Studios Hollywood in California, where group rates are available
for theme park admission.
The parks' "Animal Planet Live!" show is based on the Discovery
Channel's "Animal Planet" program.
The 20-minute show integrates live animals and professional
trainers with videotaped segments from six of the network's
programs. The show also includes audience participation.
In Orlando, "Animal Planet Live!" is housed in a 2,000-seat
outdoor amphitheater that formerly was used for the "Animal Actors"
show.
The site is across from the Back to the Future flight simulator
experience. New stage sets and signage incorporate the TV and
animal themes.
The cast of about a dozen animals varies with each show, but it
includes dogs, cats, a raccoon, a snake, a pig and a pair of
monkeys. The finale features a score of birds.
Nearly all of the cats and dogs were either rescued from animal
shelters or retired from their former show-business careers.
Several have had starring roles, including a gray Himalayan
feline named Meesha that appeared as Jinx the Cat in the recent
motion picture, "Meet the Parents," starring Robert DeNiro and Ben
Stiller.
Recorded introductions are displayed on oversize video screens.
The video leads into live-action animal and trainer segments in a
way that appears to be a live, two-way TV program.
Most segments offer a behind-the-scenes look at how animals are
trained for television shows.
Audience members are invited to join with the performers and
have a chance to interact with the animals.
For information, check Universal's Web site at www.universalstudios.com or call (800) 224-3838 for
Universal Studios Vacations, which has commissionable packages.