Are you and your children into dinosaurs? What about the size and species of dinosaurs that are depicted in the “Jurassic Park” movies? What about seeing them right before your eyes? If you answered yes to these questions then you have to make plans to get tickets for Jurassic World, coming to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Feb. 20-23. The Barclays Center arena will become a dense jungle where Velociraptor Blue and a Tyrannosaurus Rex more than 40 feet in length will take the stage. The show will feature a storyline in which scientists work to unravel a corrupt plan and save an all-new dinosaur from a horrible fate from a villain named Kurt Reed. The production will feature more than 24 film-accurate, life-sized dinosaurs, each custom built with the latest technology, scientific precision and Hollywood studio quality. With scale, speed and ferocity, the animatronic and performer-operated dinosaurs deliver colossal, edge-of-your-seat, live entertainment unlike any other dinosaur experience.
African American, Nailah Johnson, who will play a soldier who works for the main villain, Kurt Reed, recently spoke with AmNews about the show, a Q&A follows:
AmNews: What is it like to be part of a show like this?
NJ: I’ve never done anything like this before, so it’s been such a fantastic experience for me. I am also a fan of the “Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic World” franchise, so when I got the call to join this production, I was ecstatic. This show has allowed me to be a kid again because I get to play with dinosaurs, this time on a larger, more realistic scale.
AmNews: What can audiences expect when they come to this show?
NJ: Audiences can expect to be blown away by the incredible life-like dinosaurs we have throughout the show. They will also be introduced to some new characters. Additionally, those who come to the show will be able to see a full-size T-Rex come to life, motorcycle stunts, epic fights, and a beautiful story of a paleontologist doing everything she can to save Troodon.
AmNews: What are the types of dinosaurs audiences will see?
NJ: Audiences will be able to see over 20 dinosaurs come to life, including seven different species: Triceratops, Troodon, I-Rex, Raptor, Stegosaurus, Pteranodon, and T-Rex.
AmNews: How would you categorize the experience people will have when they come––is the show just fun or is it educational also?
NJ: Guests who attend the show will have an unprecedented experience that is both fun and educational. In addition to heart-pounding action sequences, the characters provide the audience with detailed background on the dinosaurs throughout the show. There is never a dull moment when watching, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
AmNews: How amazing is it to be part of a show that has so many technically detailed aspects to it?
NJ: I have learned so much about animatronics while working on this show. Animating the Raptors can be incredibly challenging because you are also carrying the full weight of the costume. I have also had the opportunity to work with Troodon and T-Rex dinosaurs from the show. Let me tell you, it takes a lot of work to bring these amazing creatures to life for the audience.
AmNews: What do you feel like when you’re doing the show?
NJ: Every time I am on the stage, I am happy. It’s such a surreal experience to be doing this as my job, with people I care about like family. Performing in front of a live audience has been a dream come true. It’s so fun stepping out there and hearing the reactions from the crowd.
AmNews: When people think of Jurassic World there are things about it that may be scary, aggressive dinosaurs, should audiences expect to feel that also?
NJ: Jurassic World Live Tour is a family-friendly show that brings to life the dinosaurs that we all learned so much about as children.
AmNews: Why should people come of all ages?
NJ: Jurassic World Live Tour tells a story that the entire family will enjoy and follow. I’ve seen family members of all ages react with joy when our dinosaurs step onto the arena floor.
Visit www.jurassicworldlivetour.com/tickets for tickets and more information. This production is presented by Feld Entertainment.