Universal ‘Backstage to Onstage’ to be showcased at The History Center
Universal Orlando Resort and the Orange County Regional History Center will be debuting “A Year in the Life: Backstage to Onstage at Universal Orlando Resort” on Jan. 26, 2013. This exhibit will give visitors an exclusive look at the extensive process that goes into bringing the theme park’s annual events such as: Halloween Horror Nights, Mardi Gras and Macy’s Holiday parade to life each year.
The exhibition will change with each Universal event season: Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and the holidays – focusing on Macy’s Holiday Parade and performances by Mannheim Steamroller. It also showcases the creative process that brought to life two of Universal’s newest entertainment experiences – the Universal Cinematic Spectacular lagoon show and the Superstar Parade.
“The entertainment industry has impacted our local history dramatically, making Orlando one of the premiere tourist destinations in the world,” said Sara Van Arsdel, executive director of The History Center. “I think visitors will be intrigued by the seismic shift Orlando’s history experienced moving from a focus on agriculture and cattle to aerospace and theme park entertainment.”
This collaboration between the museum and Universal Orlando will be the first time the public will be able to learn about each step in the story development process that brings the theme park’s entertainment experiences and annual events to life. Participating in Backstage to Onstage is just one of the ways Universal Orlando is bringing its creative process to life for the community. Universal Orlando is also partnering with Orange County Public Schools on a program called “The Art of Tomorrow,” an entire curriculum that involves middle school children in the creative process behind developing attractions and special events. The program is designed to show students the wide range of career opportunities that exist in the arts – something the History Center exhibition will also do.
The exhibition will debut on Jan. 26 and run through Jan. 5, 2014. The History Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $9, seniors (60+), students and military with I.D. $7, and children ages 5-12 $6. Historical Society Members and children ages 4 and under are free. The Orange County Regional History Center is located at 65 E. Central Blvd. in Downtown Orlando. Parking is available at the adjacent Orlando Public Library garage on Central Boulevard.
For more information, call (407) 836-8500 or visit www.thehistorycenter.org/exhibits/upcoming.
