We were thrilled for the chance to see Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular at the Schottenstein Center on opening night. I read about the 23 dragons with 46 inch wingspans and other impressive stats, but I was still so surprised at size and detail. The animatronic dragons looked incredibly real – so much so that we had to keep reminding our 4 year old friend that they were fake! The special effects were like nothing that I’ve seen before. The performers and dragons are on the stage, but they interact with cinematic projections on an enormous screen that looks like it’s part of the action on the stage. I tried to capture some of the action, but with an iphone (no flash allowed), they can’t convey how great everything really looked. You can see photos and video on the official Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular website.
The story follows Hiccup, the son of a Viking chief, who is an outcast in his tribe because no one believes he can be a heroic dragon-slayer like his father. He sets out to prove everyone wrong and ends up encountering a dragon named Toothless, which changes everything about Hiccup’s life.
While there were technical difficulties with Toothless in the first half and they had to stop the production for a period of time, they were able to resume the show and we were happy to see Toothless return to the stage for the rest of the production. Opening night in any show usually has a glitch or two, and everyone seemed to take it in stride and it didn’t take away from amazing animatronic action.
It was a fantastic show for all ages, though if younger children get scared at loud noises and large flames, it may not be best suited for them because it feels like you are in the action, unlike with a movie.
The show runs through Sunday, so there is still time to check it out! Tickets start at $34.50 for the remaining shows, but Columbus on the Cheap readers can get 25% off ticket prices for the Friday night show by using the code MOM in the the promotions and special offers box! You will definitely earn cool mom/dad/grandparent/aunt/friend points if you take the special kids in your life to see this show.
If you don’t believe me, I asked the winner of the giveaway to email me her thoughts on the show. Here is her response:
“My family and I thought the show was terrific! It was “on fire” LOL. The dragons seemed so lifelike, and the performance had so much detail, its no wonder there was a technical difficulty! I read that it took them 4 years to put that together and I can see why. But we had a blast anyway and I am thrilled we got to go! Thanks again!!”
Show Schedule and Ticketmaster links (or call 1-800-745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com):
- Friday, October 12, 2012 at 7 p.m. Save 25% using promotion: MOM
- Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
*Disclosure – I was provided these tickets and the giveaway tickets free of charge and this review is my own honest opinion.
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