RE: New Show in Italy
"Mix It Up"? Really? That sounds like a Disney Channel Musical. It's funny, we thought Mach Tower and Europe in the Air had bad names. This is much worse.
"Mix It Up"? Really? That sounds like a Disney Channel Musical. It's funny, we thought Mach Tower and Europe in the Air had bad names. This is much worse.
RE: New Show in Italy
Somehow we never managed to see the Italy performances since Holiday in Roma, which was the show for quite a few years I think. Then there was Viva Italia, maybe? Didn't even realize there was Festivale Italiano lol. Has there been a lot of variation in the Italy shows or have they been pretty similar?
eta: Ok, I dug out my collection of park maps and show schedules, which goes back to 2003. It was Holiday in Roma from at least 2003 (and possibly earlier) through 2006. Then it was Viva Italia 2007 & 2008 -- changed quickly compared to how long Holiday in Roma lasted! And 2009 lists Festivale Italiano. 2010 had "San Marco Singers" early in the season and then Festivale Italiano in the summer.
Again, just wondering if there have been any big differences among these various shows? Or just minor changes? The name "Mix it Up" not only sounds silly but like a pretty big change from previous shows, what do you think?
Geek alert! I miss Starlight and Starfright Orchestras!
Somehow we never managed to see the Italy performances since Holiday in Roma, which was the show for quite a few years I think. Then there was Viva Italia, maybe? Didn't even realize there was Festivale Italiano lol. Has there been a lot of variation in the Italy shows or have they been pretty similar?
eta: Ok, I dug out my collection of park maps and show schedules, which goes back to 2003. It was Holiday in Roma from at least 2003 (and possibly earlier) through 2006. Then it was Viva Italia 2007 & 2008 -- changed quickly compared to how long Holiday in Roma lasted! And 2009 lists Festivale Italiano. 2010 had "San Marco Singers" early in the season and then Festivale Italiano in the summer.
Again, just wondering if there have been any big differences among these various shows? Or just minor changes? The name "Mix it Up" not only sounds silly but like a pretty big change from previous shows, what do you think?
Geek alert! I miss Starlight and Starfright Orchestras!
RE: New Show in Italy
Yes there were major changes when Festivale Italiano came. Holiday In Roma and Viva Italia were unique 30 minute musical shows with their own cast. At the same time, The Starlight Orchestra shared the stage later in the day. Starlight Orchestra was another unique and worthwhile show. They were both top notch productions. Festivale Italiano came in 2009 as a poor replacement for both of those shows, and it appeared to be a major cutback. Festivale Italiano was a brief assortment of singers, dancers, and acrobats from other shows in the park, so it was not a show unique upon itself. Also, it was very short, between ten and fifteen minutes long.
Other major changes came in 2010 when American Jukebox was replaced in the Canadian Paladium by two much smaller shows that previously would have been performed as street entertainment. It was another serious cutback. 2010 also saw the elimination of a nighttime show such as Kinetix or Imaginique in the Royal Palace Theater. In my opinion, the debut of Illuminights in 2010 was vastly inferior to the entertianment lineup in the years preceeding these cutbacks, and I see it as another cutback in the entertainment department.
BBW said:
Yes there were major changes when Festivale Italiano came. Holiday In Roma and Viva Italia were unique 30 minute musical shows with their own cast. At the same time, The Starlight Orchestra shared the stage later in the day. Starlight Orchestra was another unique and worthwhile show. They were both top notch productions. Festivale Italiano came in 2009 as a poor replacement for both of those shows, and it appeared to be a major cutback. Festivale Italiano was a brief assortment of singers, dancers, and acrobats from other shows in the park, so it was not a show unique upon itself. Also, it was very short, between ten and fifteen minutes long.
Other major changes came in 2010 when American Jukebox was replaced in the Canadian Paladium by two much smaller shows that previously would have been performed as street entertainment. It was another serious cutback. 2010 also saw the elimination of a nighttime show such as Kinetix or Imaginique in the Royal Palace Theater. In my opinion, the debut of Illuminights in 2010 was vastly inferior to the entertianment lineup in the years preceeding these cutbacks, and I see it as another cutback in the entertainment department.
RE: New Show in Italy
Wow, thanks so much for your thoughtful analysis, Gardener14. I'm very sorry I missed Viva Italia, then. I saw Holiday in Roma several times and enjoyed it.
Agree with you on mourning the loss of Imaginique and even Kinetix. Didn't realize that the Canadian Palladium's format had changed (I mean, I realized American Jukebox was gone but didn't know the replacements were so different), or that the Festivale Italiano was basically a composite of some of the street performers.
Although I have enjoyed the addition of the street performers and shorter acts like, what was it, Art Attack or whatever?, I always saw them as ADDITIONS not replacements for the major shows. Oh, and btw I did LOVE the Rhythm Chefs when they had them as street performers in Italy.
As far as Illuminights, I didn't get to see all of the shows last year. I did enjoy the ones I saw, so will withhold judgment there. I do miss a show of Imaginique's caliber but the shorter evening shows do have a certain appeal as a quick break rather than a major commitment of time away from the rides. Also I'm guessing having fireworks nightly is popular for parkgoers. But the changes at the main stages/theaters are less welcome to me.
Thanks again for the informative comments and for answering my question about Italy's shows so thoroughly!
Wow, thanks so much for your thoughtful analysis, Gardener14. I'm very sorry I missed Viva Italia, then. I saw Holiday in Roma several times and enjoyed it.
Agree with you on mourning the loss of Imaginique and even Kinetix. Didn't realize that the Canadian Palladium's format had changed (I mean, I realized American Jukebox was gone but didn't know the replacements were so different), or that the Festivale Italiano was basically a composite of some of the street performers.
Although I have enjoyed the addition of the street performers and shorter acts like, what was it, Art Attack or whatever?, I always saw them as ADDITIONS not replacements for the major shows. Oh, and btw I did LOVE the Rhythm Chefs when they had them as street performers in Italy.
As far as Illuminights, I didn't get to see all of the shows last year. I did enjoy the ones I saw, so will withhold judgment there. I do miss a show of Imaginique's caliber but the shorter evening shows do have a certain appeal as a quick break rather than a major commitment of time away from the rides. Also I'm guessing having fireworks nightly is popular for parkgoers. But the changes at the main stages/theaters are less welcome to me.
Thanks again for the informative comments and for answering my question about Italy's shows so thoroughly!
RE: New Show in Italy
You're welcome. It's funny what you said about Illuminights offering quick breaks between rides instead of committing time to a full length show because I always felt the opposite. Until the last couple of years, Busch Gardens had phenomenal shows year after year, and I always felt that the rides were quickies between the great shows. The shows are what truly drew me to the park even though I enjoyed the rides immensely. I still love the park, but I'm somewhat disillusioned by the severe cutbacks in quality entertainment for the past two years.
Last year, the shows at the Canadium Palladium truly were street shows put on a reduced stage when there used to be a true all out production there, even two great shows there at once several years ago. Now we lost that venue completely. Festivale Italiano was indeed a short conglomeration of street acts and a couple singers (I think from the Irish show). Don't get me started on the loss of Starlight Orchestra, one of the best ongoing shows the park had, and the nightly large scale shows at the RPT. I hope this is a result of the economy and sagging attendance, because that is something that can be reversed in time as the economy improves. I hope it's not a decision reflecting a new direction for the park in the long term.
BBW said:
You're welcome. It's funny what you said about Illuminights offering quick breaks between rides instead of committing time to a full length show because I always felt the opposite. Until the last couple of years, Busch Gardens had phenomenal shows year after year, and I always felt that the rides were quickies between the great shows. The shows are what truly drew me to the park even though I enjoyed the rides immensely. I still love the park, but I'm somewhat disillusioned by the severe cutbacks in quality entertainment for the past two years.
Last year, the shows at the Canadium Palladium truly were street shows put on a reduced stage when there used to be a true all out production there, even two great shows there at once several years ago. Now we lost that venue completely. Festivale Italiano was indeed a short conglomeration of street acts and a couple singers (I think from the Irish show). Don't get me started on the loss of Starlight Orchestra, one of the best ongoing shows the park had, and the nightly large scale shows at the RPT. I hope this is a result of the economy and sagging attendance, because that is something that can be reversed in time as the economy improves. I hope it's not a decision reflecting a new direction for the park in the long term.
RE: New Show in Italy
I'm sadly more inclined to think it is a new direction of the park irrespective of the economy. I see so many changes since the parks were sold, few of them good. Mostly a subtle change in the spirit/culture of the park, other changes more concrete like the reduced services (no beer school, no free amenities in the rest rooms, cleanliness still good compared to other parks but not what it used to be, things like that), and, of course, the changes in the entertainment. But you are right, could just be the economy. Though I would think all the sets and costuming for Illuminights, plus the fireworks, might possibly have been more expensive than just keeping the status quo for a few years on the entertainment ??
Re: attendance, maybe someone will post the numbers, but dang, it sure has seemed much more crowded each year, especially the last year or two, though I know that sounds unlikely. But we didn't go nearly as much last year as in previous seasons, so maybe we just happened to hit it on bad days. Obviously, though, the economy has got to be a consideration.
I'm sadly more inclined to think it is a new direction of the park irrespective of the economy. I see so many changes since the parks were sold, few of them good. Mostly a subtle change in the spirit/culture of the park, other changes more concrete like the reduced services (no beer school, no free amenities in the rest rooms, cleanliness still good compared to other parks but not what it used to be, things like that), and, of course, the changes in the entertainment. But you are right, could just be the economy. Though I would think all the sets and costuming for Illuminights, plus the fireworks, might possibly have been more expensive than just keeping the status quo for a few years on the entertainment ??
Re: attendance, maybe someone will post the numbers, but dang, it sure has seemed much more crowded each year, especially the last year or two, though I know that sounds unlikely. But we didn't go nearly as much last year as in previous seasons, so maybe we just happened to hit it on bad days. Obviously, though, the economy has got to be a consideration.
RE: New Show in Italy
I thought I read in those worldwide park attendance estimations that come out annually that the attendance was down by around 5-6% at most SW/BG parks for the past couple of years, but I cold be wrong. Also, during my visits (four days most summers year since 1991) it seems to me that the parking lots, entrance areas, and ride queues have been much less crowded during the past couple of years than they were in the early to mid 2000s.
I really wonder if the cutbacks in entertainment are because of the economy or a deliberate change of course. On one hand, it's something the park had always done brilliantly, so why would they alienate certain customers who have come to expect that? That makes me think it's the economy, and a way to save money while still offering entertainment to some degree. On the other hand, BG Tampa, even during the off season, still offers a great array of top notch entertainment. BGT had minor cutbacks in entertainment, but nothing nearly as severe as BGW. During my recent visits to BGT there have been more and tremendously better quality shows than what BGW has produced these past couple of years. On top of that they bring in even more during the summer in the way of street performers and a revised version of Kinetix. That's got me perplexed why they have continued the focus on shows while BGW has not. Back when BGW had fantastic shows, they beat BGT in that department but BGT had the animals. Now, BGT has both the added benefit of the shows and the animals.
Illuminights is another thing that perplexes me. You're correct that the fireworks, elaborate sets and costumes, and the number of performers and technicians required are probably expensive, but for all that expense, it doesn't pay off in my estimation. The fireworks are great, the the shows were mostly lackluster and unimpressive to me. I saw each of them multiple times, and they short, unexciting, and lack real talent of singers, dancers, and powerful stage presence. The Italian acrobats were my favorite, but that was still a minimal performance. Imaginique, Kinetix, American Jukebox, and Starlight Orchestra were all far superior shows full of talent and stage power. Not to belittle anyone, but the performers in most of the Illuminights shows are slightly above costume walkaround characters and I imagine they are paid less than singers most singers, dancers, and musicians. I think they should have kept a lineup of shows with quality similar to past years and added fireworks on top of it all.
Celtic Fyre is an awesome show and demonstrates that they still know how to produce great things. It's another confusing part of the puzzle in light of other cutbacks.
Previously I also forgot to describe last year's shows in the Canadian Palladium. One consisted of three people dressed as lumberjacks who drummed. It was a short show, very similar to the Rhythm Chefs, but the jokes were identical to the old Boogie Band. The other short show consisted of two guitar players and one female singer who sat stationary on stools while playing 70's folk songs. This was done on a stage made much smaller than the past with portable fencing as a backdrop and bench seating replaced by picnic tables. In hindsight, I should have taken it as a sign that the venue's days were numbered.
I thought I read in those worldwide park attendance estimations that come out annually that the attendance was down by around 5-6% at most SW/BG parks for the past couple of years, but I cold be wrong. Also, during my visits (four days most summers year since 1991) it seems to me that the parking lots, entrance areas, and ride queues have been much less crowded during the past couple of years than they were in the early to mid 2000s.
I really wonder if the cutbacks in entertainment are because of the economy or a deliberate change of course. On one hand, it's something the park had always done brilliantly, so why would they alienate certain customers who have come to expect that? That makes me think it's the economy, and a way to save money while still offering entertainment to some degree. On the other hand, BG Tampa, even during the off season, still offers a great array of top notch entertainment. BGT had minor cutbacks in entertainment, but nothing nearly as severe as BGW. During my recent visits to BGT there have been more and tremendously better quality shows than what BGW has produced these past couple of years. On top of that they bring in even more during the summer in the way of street performers and a revised version of Kinetix. That's got me perplexed why they have continued the focus on shows while BGW has not. Back when BGW had fantastic shows, they beat BGT in that department but BGT had the animals. Now, BGT has both the added benefit of the shows and the animals.
Illuminights is another thing that perplexes me. You're correct that the fireworks, elaborate sets and costumes, and the number of performers and technicians required are probably expensive, but for all that expense, it doesn't pay off in my estimation. The fireworks are great, the the shows were mostly lackluster and unimpressive to me. I saw each of them multiple times, and they short, unexciting, and lack real talent of singers, dancers, and powerful stage presence. The Italian acrobats were my favorite, but that was still a minimal performance. Imaginique, Kinetix, American Jukebox, and Starlight Orchestra were all far superior shows full of talent and stage power. Not to belittle anyone, but the performers in most of the Illuminights shows are slightly above costume walkaround characters and I imagine they are paid less than singers most singers, dancers, and musicians. I think they should have kept a lineup of shows with quality similar to past years and added fireworks on top of it all.
Celtic Fyre is an awesome show and demonstrates that they still know how to produce great things. It's another confusing part of the puzzle in light of other cutbacks.
Previously I also forgot to describe last year's shows in the Canadian Palladium. One consisted of three people dressed as lumberjacks who drummed. It was a short show, very similar to the Rhythm Chefs, but the jokes were identical to the old Boogie Band. The other short show consisted of two guitar players and one female singer who sat stationary on stools while playing 70's folk songs. This was done on a stage made much smaller than the past with portable fencing as a backdrop and bench seating replaced by picnic tables. In hindsight, I should have taken it as a sign that the venue's days were numbered.
RE: New Show in Italy
Italy’s Il Teatro di San Marco will come to life with Busch Gardens’ newest show, Mix It Up!. Guests will leave with a belly full of wonderful memories as chef musicians cook up fabulous fun with mind blowing musicianship and technical talent. Enjoy freshly-made Italian favorites from Ristorante della Piazza, grab a seat in the outdoor dining theater and enjoy a hilarious mixture of cuisine and creativity.
I'd definitely give any show a fair chance, but I hate to say that that description sounds too much like a street show similar to the rhythm chefs than it does a full stage production. I truly hope my interpretation/hunch is wrong. One holdout I have is that the show is featured on the website and some marketing material such as a postcard I received today. Last year's minimal shows in the Canadian Palladium didn't even merit as much as a mention on the website. At least it gives me some hope.
Italy’s Il Teatro di San Marco will come to life with Busch Gardens’ newest show, Mix It Up!. Guests will leave with a belly full of wonderful memories as chef musicians cook up fabulous fun with mind blowing musicianship and technical talent. Enjoy freshly-made Italian favorites from Ristorante della Piazza, grab a seat in the outdoor dining theater and enjoy a hilarious mixture of cuisine and creativity.
I'd definitely give any show a fair chance, but I hate to say that that description sounds too much like a street show similar to the rhythm chefs than it does a full stage production. I truly hope my interpretation/hunch is wrong. One holdout I have is that the show is featured on the website and some marketing material such as a postcard I received today. Last year's minimal shows in the Canadian Palladium didn't even merit as much as a mention on the website. At least it gives me some hope.
RE: New Show in Italy
Yea, Scott had stated last season that the new Italy show would mimic BLAST! in a lot of ways. Pretty cool stuff. Have seen them live a few times.
This is a vid of blast! Granted this show has a bit more guard in it...you'll still get the gist...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGkhiiM-KRg&feature=related
Scoutn757 said:
Yea, Scott had stated last season that the new Italy show would mimic BLAST! in a lot of ways. Pretty cool stuff. Have seen them live a few times.
This is a vid of blast! Granted this show has a bit more guard in it...you'll still get the gist...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGkhiiM-KRg&feature=related
RE: New Show in Italy
I've seen Blast, and if it's modeled after that, then it should be great. Like I said previously, I'm very open and hoping it will be another great show for BGW and more full-fledged than the mini-show that was there for the past two years.
I've seen Blast, and if it's modeled after that, then it should be great. Like I said previously, I'm very open and hoping it will be another great show for BGW and more full-fledged than the mini-show that was there for the past two years.
RE: New Show in Italy
was anyone there on passholder preview day to see the rehearsal performances...from the rehearsal I saw it seemed like a production more than a glorified street performance...the only thing will be time now to tell if it is a production or not...did anyone else see it?
was anyone there on passholder preview day to see the rehearsal performances...from the rehearsal I saw it seemed like a production more than a glorified street performance...the only thing will be time now to tell if it is a production or not...did anyone else see it?
RE: New Show in Italy
So I was in mississippi last month and I'm incapacitated for another month and haven't had a chance to make it to bgw yet. Anyone seen this show? What's it like? Good?
So I was in mississippi last month and I'm incapacitated for another month and haven't had a chance to make it to bgw yet. Anyone seen this show? What's it like? Good?
RE: New Show in Italy
The show sucks. Hard. I can see how they tried to model it after Blast! But They pretty much did the same thing to BLAST! That they did to jack's image and his show.... It's a kid's show. With one or two "serious" numbers thrown in that fail hard. They play the kit kat song for crying out loud, what does that have to do with an Italy? If I still marched and got casted into that show I would've quit regardless of what they were paying me.
Dont get me wrong.. It's a good kid's show. But It's not what I expect from BG. A good show can awe and thrill and excite and entertain all age groups.
The show sucks. Hard. I can see how they tried to model it after Blast! But They pretty much did the same thing to BLAST! That they did to jack's image and his show.... It's a kid's show. With one or two "serious" numbers thrown in that fail hard. They play the kit kat song for crying out loud, what does that have to do with an Italy? If I still marched and got casted into that show I would've quit regardless of what they were paying me.
Dont get me wrong.. It's a good kid's show. But It's not what I expect from BG. A good show can awe and thrill and excite and entertain all age groups.