Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is back at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and it is bigger, better – and sharper – than ever before, thanks to a major refresh by Disney’s creative live entertainment team.

Regular visitors will know that some of Walt Disney World’s large-scale live productions were shut down for a prolonged pandemic-induced period, even after the theme parks’ big re-opening in July 2020.

Major Fireworks Presentations are Back!

The return of the major fireworks presentations – including the debut of the fabulous Disney Enchantment at the Magic Kingdom and Harmonious at Epcot – coincided with the launch of Disney’s special 50th Anniversary Celebration last October.

But we have had to wait for the resumption of some of the regular shows, like Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Matsuriza drummers at Epcot as well as the daredevil exploits of the intrepid Indiana Jones.

The good news for fans of the hugely popular stunt show is that the long break has given the production team time to re-evaluate this spectacular show and give it a major refurbishment from top to bottom.

Now Stunt Spectaculars Have Returned – and they are Better Than Ever!

The Epic Stunt Spectacular made its official return on Sunday, December 19th, and it was notable that everything looked and sounded fresher and livelier. There are also a few tweaks to the story and a new section that highlights the work and personalities of the impressive cast of actors and stunt performers.

Disney went out of their way to provide extra insight into this new presentation of the show, and the technical work that has gone into it behind the scenes, as well as the additional focus on the performers who play Indy and Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark, as well as a host of supporting actors.

Tom Vazzana, Show Director for Disney Live Entertainment, explained: “We looked at every stunt, every line and every piece of scenery with a fresh eye. We wanted to take the time to look at it and make some things more relevant, to look at the script, really tighten it up, and focus the show back on these highly skilled professionals.

“We refreshed the stunts and tightened them up, too, and we added a little more comedy. In the film, there is a peek-a-boo moment that Indy and Marion do through this clothes rack that we decided to add to the show. It provides these lovely little homages and a bit more comedy to the show that wasn’t there before.”

One of the key performers is four-year veteran of the show Andrea Miceli, who started out in the role of Marion and has since added other stunt responsibilities as a tumbler to her performance.

She insisted: “We are so excited [to be back]. The little changes that we have made are a big difference, just to make sure that everybody is safe. But I think our guests will be excited to see us again."

“It’s so much fun. As a tumbler, I get to do so many different 'tracks,' as we call it, throughout the show. I get to do a variety as a tumbler, and as Marion. I can’t really pick a specific one that’s my favorite. As a whole, though, the show is just really thrilling.”

Thrilling Return to Live Audiences for Performers

The cast and crew needed several months of rehearsals, plus strength and conditioning programmes for the stunt performers, in order to get the massive production back on the daily schedule.

And Andrea confirmed: “It just makes such difference, having the audience and our guests there, it just makes all of our hard work worthwhile.”

Vazzana also pointed out that the show has been updated for the modern generation, as it was originally created back in 1989 when the park opened.

He said: “We know that attention spans today can be pretty short. In the world in general, TikTok is now so popular and that is, like, 14 seconds, right? So how can we tell our story in a really great contained time that our guests can enjoy the full Disney’s Hollywood Studios and enjoy the full Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular for 30 minutes?

“I think we have done a really great job of combining the artistic nature and the operational nature of what guests want to do at the park, and I think it’s a beautiful blend.”

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