Mystique de la MerSpecial shows shine spotlight on Sea World at nightTuesday, July 27, 2004
by Karl Buiter, contributing writerSea World San Diego is widely known for its daytime shows featuring
dolphins and killer whales. At night, an entirely different Sea World
emerges from its home in Mission Bay. Filled with light and color, dazzling
acrobatics, and wild music, the shows of “Mystique de la Mer”
provide a whole new world of experiences. 
A view of the lighthouse at Dolphin Stadium and the Sky Tower behind.
Photo by Karl Buiter.
Mystique de la Mer is a Cirque du Soleil-style collection of acrobatics
and dance. The back story describes the performers as sea creatures from
the world of Atlantis. While the performances often lack the polish of
a well-rehearsed Cirque du Soleil show, the outdoor dimension and contemporary
feel of these productions is quite entertaining. ExotiSeaPerformed on a small stage in a grassy area, ExotiSea is a twilight
show featuring athletic dances, small tumbling runs, and aerials by eight
performers. 
This high-flying pair are featured performers for this twilight show.
Photo by Karl Buiter.
An opening cast of three women and three men handle most of the gymnastics
and a brief aerial exercise on ropes. 
The ExotiSea cast performs various athletic dances, tumbling runs, and
rope aerials. Photo by Karl Buiter.
A duo then performs an aerial routine using sheets of fabric. Sometimes
death-defying, sometimes romantic, and bathed in red light, this is the
highlight of the show. Sea Lions ToniteSea Lions Tonite is the comedy show for Sea World San Diego. Performed
nightly during the summer, Sea Lions Tonite spoofs Sea World daytime
shows including Dolphin Stadium, Shamu, and Cirque de
la Mer. 
In this scene, Clyde, Seamore, and their trainers pay homage to the popular
daytime Cirque de la Mer show. Photo by Karl Buiter.
Satire of pop music and culture is a tradition for the opening act of
the Sea Lions Tonite show. In this year's version, a “tour
guide” provides the central narrative for the show. 
Our “tour guide” goes crazy with the props. Photo by Karl Buiter.
Attractions and dining at night
Bright lights illuminate the splash down waves at Journey to Atlantis.
Photo by Karl Buiter.
Cafeteria-style dining is available at several restaurants across the
park. These pictures are from inside Shipwreck Reef Café. Food
options throughout the park include barbeque, Italian, fajitas, salads,
and deli sandwiches. 
A quiet sky ride across Mission Bay provides welcome counterpoint to the
excitement in the park. Rides like these that make the day special for
guests. Photo by Karl Buiter.
A Mystique Dinner Show is available at 7:30 each evening at the
Garden Plaza West location. 
Entrée and dessert offerings at Shipwreck Reef Café. Photo
by Karl Buiter.
BrillianSea
Multiple fireworks shells fill the sky at night. Photo by Karl Buiter.
The show is launched from a barge anchored northeast of the park. Photo
by Karl Buiter.
Bright Red Starburst is spectacular on the San Diego sky. Photo by Karl
Buiter.
Shamu's House of DouseShamu's House of Douse is the nighttime version of the popular
daytime Shamu show. Dance music and a party DJ anchor the show
that makes heavy use of the video screens and popular Shamu acrobatics.
This year's show is a celebration of the past 20 years of nighttime Shamu
shows, featuring videos and audience participation dance numbers from
past performances. 
Four of the performing Killer Whales from Shamu's House of Douse show.
Photo by Karl Buiter.
Center Stage Center Stage is the central plaza at the front of the park. As the evening
comes to a close, guests gather here to watch the BrillianSea fireworks
show and Ocean FantaSea stage show. 
Local bands entertain the crowd at Center Stage. Photo by Karl Buiter.
Ocean FantaSea
A wrap-up show at the front of the park closes the night's festivities.
Photo by Karl Buiter.
The performers from ExotiSea and the daytime acrobatic shows are
united for a spectacular finale. Gymnasts perform using hoops, ribbons,
and sheets. Tumblers make acrobatic runs across the back of the stage.
Strong rhythms and exotic dance put a great finish to the evening. 
This performer twirls a large metal cube. Photo by Karl Buiter.
Stilt walkers join the party ensemble. Photo by Karl Buiter.
The nighttime Mystique de la Mer runs nightly at Sea World San Diego
through September 6.
Send your thoughts, comments or questions to Karl here.
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