Spec-tat-u-lar(') (Spek-tak'-ye-ler)

1. Intended to excite wonder and admiration by unusual display of pomp or scenic effects.
2. The Universal Tour's Conan Show.

The adventures of Conan, billed as a sword and sorcery spectacular is just that. . . Spectacular!!! The Conan Show is based on several movies, the Dino DeLaurentlis Universal features Conan The Barbarian and Conan The Destroyer, the Walt Disney/Paramount feature Dragonslayer and Warner Brothers/Orion's Excalibur. The show features elaborate special effects, including ultra high-tech lighting, sound, sophisticated lasers and pyrotechnic displays coordinated with meticulously choreographed sword fights.

Set lighting is used most effectively to heighten the storytelling. As the show opens, a curtain of rain obscures the darkened stage. As the rain lifts, the llghtlng is raised to reveal the multi-level lnterlor of a castle, Radical lighting effects changing in intensity and color are employed as the story unfolds.

Not only does lighting enhance the show, but so do the numerous special effects. Pyrotechnics are instrumental in the storytelling. An 18 foot tall fire- breathlng dragon was created especially for the show. In addition to breathing fire, the dragon has the ability to focus laser beams through its eyes, resulting in small explosions as the dragon shifts its gaze.

Fight scenes are a staple in film making, and the Conan Show offers a fine demonstration of stunt work, especially fighting.

In the course of the show, virtually the entire cast engages in hand-to- hand combat, utilizing swords, axes and spears, The actors have the difficult task of synchronizing their movements with the pre-programmed special effects. Six weeks of intensive rehearsals were needed before the first public performance could take place, and the fight scenes require rehearsals on a dally basis.

The roles in the Conan Show are rotated between several actors.

On the day that I visited the show, Karen Price played "Red Sonja" and Oren Curtis portrayed the whimsical "Wizard Kallias."

The evil sorcerer "Taras Mordor" was brilliantly played by John Boyle. The three villians who arose from the dead to complicate Conan's life were "Azura" the axe-wielder, the double swordsman, and the vicious "Balash-Cushite", played respectively by Joe Esposito, Richard Starzak and Lee Cole. Lee Cole also doubled as the young Conan.

Last but certainly not least is the un- disputed star of the show, Conan the Barbarian, portrayed by Rich Brose. Rich is the only remaining original Conan. He has been a professional actor for 5 years and has appeared in many commercials and sitcoms. Between shows he is often seen strolling around the entertainment center in full Conan costume. His gregarious personality makes him a natural hit with the fans, especially endearing hlm to the children. Rich says that interactlng with the tourists is one of his favorlte parts of the job.

The Conan Show is a 4 million dollar concept In live theatre.

Peter Alexander is director of creativity, and also the producer.

Alexander worked very closely with writer/directors Gary Goddard and Tony Christopher to create the polished show we see today.

The Conan Show opened in 1983. Since that time it has been the number one rated attraction on the tour. Appealing to young and old alike, the show dazzles all tour visltors with its rapid-fire action and flamboyant style.

So...feeling pressured? Want to get away from it all? Can't afford Tahiti? The solution to your problem lies right at the top of the Universal hill. Experience the Conan Show, and escape . . . for the next 18 minutes.

Special thanks to Myles McNamara and John Corfino in preparation of this story.