BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG "DREAMS UP" NEW ATTRACTION THIS SUMMER
"Imaginique" Brings French-Style Circus to Adventure Park
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- Dreamscape imagination blended with music, special effects and acrobatics transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg as the European-themed park unveils Imaginique, this year's new attraction.
Imaginique descends upon the French hamlet of Aquitaine June 15 - Aug. 23, creating a whole new park after dark. The village transforms into a dream-like kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, music and non-stop entertainment. Mimes, magicians, jugglers and dancers entertain park guests each evening beginning at 7:30 p.m.
A large acrobatic swing becomes the center of one of three performance arenas in the French village, where an ensemble of gymnastic and bizarre artists performs. Two additional entertainment circles feature eight dancers performing unique vignettes and pole climbing feats.
The interactive performances lead up to Imaginique, a larger-than-life spectacular in the Royal Palace Theatre beginning at 9 p.m.
"Imaginique is a one-of-a-kind French circus experience," said Linda Cuddihy, vice president of entertainment for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
"There will be continuous acrobatics, special effects and guest interaction that is unlike anything ever presented at Busch Gardens Williamsburg," added Cuddihy.
Many of Imaginique's artisans have performed in Neil Goldberg's Cirque Productions in Europe, Asia and throughout the United States. The production is influenced by European cabarets, variety shows and theatrical productions, but Americanized with Broadway theatrical flair. While guests take their seats, "Imaginaires," costumed performers known for their imaginative display of skill, interact with guests as they perform gymnastic feats and provide comic relief.
The 30-minute show includes "Trio Trapeze," a synchronized trapeze performance, an aerial parasail presentation called "Aerial Flight," a balance and motion act called "Cylindrical Duo," "Power of Three," a human strength display and a variety of awe-inspiring feats that will leave the audience breathless.
"Busch Gardens Williamsburg is transformed into a dream theatre -- an illusion within an illusion with the Imaginique experience," said Neil Goldberg, Imaginique's creator and director.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg's new French circus spectacular opens June 15 with shows nightly. Imaginique is included in the general admission price.
Voted the world's "Most Beautiful Theme Park" for nine consecutive years, Busch Gardens Williamsburg features more than 40 thrilling rides, shows and attractions. Renowned for world-class roller coasters including Alpengeist and Apollo's Chariot, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is an Anheuser-Busch Adventure Park. Other Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia; Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. The nine parks entertain more than 20 million guests a year and employ more than 15,000.
Acts of Imaginique-- Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Four extravagant acts of Imaginique make it the largest and most exciting show to ever be performed at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. "Trio Trapeze," "Aerial Flight," "Cylindrical Duo" and "Power of Three" will leave guests mesmerized.
Trip Trapeze
"Trio Trapeze" erupts on the stage as three artists unfold in unison to form an aerial collage in the sky. Accompanied by an orchestration, the trio demonstrates feats of skill, flair and fortitude. The performers manipulate the trapeze in a synchronized, ballet-like fashion. Below the trapeze artists, Imaginaires perform in acrobatic unison to the musical choreography of the "Trio Trapeze" entertainers. It will be the only act of its kind in the world.
Aerial Flight
As cool color overwhelms the stage, silky fabric unravels and falls to the ground. An artisan surrounds himself within the fabric and appears to magically transform the silk into parasails. The acrobat spirals within the fabric, repels and unwinds using graceful movements to enhance the show's surreal, dreamscape quality.
Cylindrical Duo
Adventurous performers use simple cylinders and platforms to create a momentous display of balance and rhythm. These artisans continue their quest to defy the laws of gravity as they stack their canted tower to nearly 12 feet tall.
Power of Three
As the show's dream-like journey progresses, a trio of sculpted human forms slowly transfigure into a collaborative display of powerful statues. Ensemble characters surround this amazing display of strength and awe-inspiring achievement. Power of Three is the finale of this entertainment experience.
In addition to the four acts, and throughout the performance, the audience is immersed in a musical symphony with ultraviolet special effects. Additional transition performances include four-legged stilt creatures, palatial puppetry, and 20 of the world's most talented artists performing acrobatic feats.