The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show Explained

The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show
Location:Universal Studios Hollywood
Status:Removed
Opened:1980
Closed:2002
Replacement:Universal Plaza
Location2:Universal Studios Florida
Status2:Removed
Opened2:1991
Closed2:2003
Replacement2:Fear Factor Live
Location3:Universal Studios Japan
Status3:Removed
Opened3:2001
Closed3:2006
Replacement3:Wicked
Type:Live Action
Theme:Wild West

The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show was a live-action theatrical production that showcased daring stunts within a scripted performance, complemented by an array of mechanical and pyrotechnic special effects. Originally introduced at Universal Studios Hollywood, the show made its debut in 1980.

History

See also: List of former Universal Studios Hollywood attractions. The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show was a live stunt show at Universal Studios Hollywood, based upon a hodgepodge of Universal's Western films. Opening in 1980 in the Upper Lot section of the park, the show featured cowboy-themed actors surviving death-defying stunts, shootings and explosions. The show closed in 2002, leaving the arena abandoned except for its use during Halloween Horror Nights and Grinchmas.[1] It was finally demolished in 2012.

See also: List of former Universal Studios Florida attractions. The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show was also opened at Universal Studios Florida on July 4, 1991, in the World Expo section of the park. The show was nearly an exact recreation of the show from USH, although the amphitheater was more modern and better appointed.[2] [3] The show closed on September 1, 2003, and was replaced by Fear Factor Live which opened on June 3, 2005.[4] [5] [6]

A similar show is still shown at former Universal-owned theme park PortAventura Park.

The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show opened on March 31, 2001, in the Western Town section of Universal Studios Japan.[7] [8] The show closed in 2006 and has since been replaced by Wicked. The Western Area, and with it The Wild Wild Wild West Stunt Show and the Animal Actors show, were revamped to become Land of Oz in 2006. This involved completely re-theming two live shows, one restaurant, and a number of retail facilities.

A re-themed version of this show was opened at Wakayama Marina City's Porto Europa Theme Park under the title Viking Adventure. Although featuring Vikings rather than cowboys, the script was virtually the same, and the major stunts were re-created verbatim. This included the high fall onto a wooden breakaway platform, and the climactic "falling facade" gag. The show is now closed.

Notes and References

  1. News: How the West was stunted. 11 July 2011. Lakeland Ledger. 12 July 1991.
  2. News: Strother. Susan G.. Universal Kicks Off Western Show. July 11, 2011. Orlando Sentinel. July 12, 1991.
  3. News: How the West was stunted. July 11, 2011. Lakeland Ledger. July 12, 1991.
  4. News: Pack. Todd. Universal To Close Wild West. July 11, 2011. Orlando Sentinel. August 8, 2003.
  5. News: Mussenden. Sean. Never Fear – Creepy-crawly Fun Is On Way. July 11, 2011. Orlando Sentinel. January 17, 2005.
  6. News: Strother Clarke. Susan. Fear Factor Live Pleases Visitors, Not Tummies. July 11, 2011. Orlando Sentinel. April 22, 2005.
  7. News: Strother. Susan G.. Universal Kicks Off Western Show. 11 July 2011. Orlando Sentinel. 12 July 1991.
  8. News: USJ theme park has continued to misuse explosives.. 11 July 2011. Japan Weekly Monitor. 19 August 2002.