The Orlando Science Center is rocking with a fresh laser-lit presentation after a $7 million top-to-bottom dome renovation is complete.
Laser shows have been a staple entertainment for generations of Orlandoans, and while they incorporate nostalgic elements, they also incorporate modern technology that provides clearer images and hair-raising sounds.
The Lock Haven Park Museum previewed some of its expanded lineup (several Taylor Swift hits and a full Queen show) to members of the media this week. These two artists will be on deck for premiere shows Friday and Saturday as part of the Science Center’s Stellar Nights event.
What can you see at the new laser light show?
The renovated nine-story dome features a new screen and 315 seats, each facing an individually curved canvas for optimal viewing.
When the show starts, things get very dark, like staring into a black hole. Once the laser-projected graphics start, it has a Spirograph Gone Wild feel to it. Stars, circles, and spiers move up and down the field of view, sometimes in a crazy kaleidoscopic style. This movement accentuates the music, becoming frenetic with guitar licks and harsh with drum beats.
Your presentation will also be more accurate. Queen’s “Bicycle Race” features a laser-generated bicycle, while “Radio Gaga” features an old-fashioned radio.
“Under Pressure” puts big brains on display and turns into a storytelling exercise using images to represent social issues like guns and hunger. In “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Beelzebub’s giant, intimidating head appears.
Swift’s song presentations were more gentle and at times doodle-like, with images of couples, butterflies, heartbreak, and lovely dresses.
When does the laser light show take place?
The return of the laser show begins with the museum’s Stellar Nights promotion. This extends regular business hours on Fridays and Saturdays through August 1st. One screening each night serves as the finale. Closing time on these days is 10pm
“We have a very strong schedule during Stellanite to maximize the potential of the dome,” said Jeff Stanford, vice president of marketing.
“You can also enjoy planetarium shows and movies, so-called all-sky presentations,” he said. “It’s like a virtual tour of a moon base or a tour of other planets.”
What shows and acts are scheduled?
The laser show begins on Friday with Swift, followed by Queen on Saturday. Upcoming schedules include Laser Beatles on July 17th, Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon on July 18th, Laser Country on July 24th, Grateful Dead on July 25th, Laser Tribute on July 31st, and Rocketman on August 1st.
“Nostalgia is a big factor and a big appeal…but what we wanted to do was also appeal to a very wide audience,” Stanford said.
What has been improved with the dome renovation?
New attributes of the dome include a wider seat and a curved, seamless NanoSeam screen. Eight 8K projectors will screen the show.
“The images are much clearer. It’s a richer experience in that the visuals are everywhere,” Stanford said, adding that the speed of movement is faster.
Next is the sound.
“The visuals are great and eye-opening, but people really come here for the music. With 30,000 watts of sound, it’s a really immersive environment for music fans to absorb and experience that music,” he said.
“If you’re going to have an experience like this, you want to have your hair blown out.”
What’s next on the laser front?
Laser shows are held regularly at the Orlando Science Center, but not every day.
“We want them to feel special,” Stanford said. For example, he said it could be incorporated into events such as Science Night Live, Spark STEM Fest or the holiday season.
The production is leased from a company that creates laser light shows, giving the science center multiple options going forward and increasing return visits.
“We have the ability to design our own laser show at some point, but we’re still just picking up the equipment and trying to get it working,” Stanford said.
“What’s exciting in the future is to bring in original music, maybe local bands, and do a laser light show made up of their music,” he said.
The laser show is included in regular admission to the Orlando Science Center. The museum’s Stella Nights promotion extends regular business hours by five hours on Fridays and Saturdays through August 1st.
For tickets and more information, visit OSC.org.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com
