BWW Reviews: Heading Back to School with SeaWorld Orlando's SEA LION HIGH

While the Orlando theater culture continues to grow, it's obvious that when you think of Orlando you really think of our world-class theme park entertainment. SEA LION HIGH is SeaWorld Orlando's newest Sea Lion and Otter show and it does not fail to entertain and educate all at the same time. Who doesn't love Sea Lions? Imagine how difficult putting a show together is. Now imagine putting together a new show where your leads can't speak.

Seamore and Clyde (California Sea Lions) return to the stage after a long 15 year run of their previous show SEAMORE AND CLYDE TAKE PIRATE ISLAND, which closed last August. In SEA LION HIGH Clyde, Seamore, and some peppy human students are on their last day of school. There are two scholarships to Ocean University that are available for two students with the best grades and the best athletic ability. Unfortunately Clyde and Seamore both failed to complete all their courses. Luckily, Principal Twimby gives the duo one more day to finish science, dance, drama and gym classes in order to graduate. Of course with sea lions involved, much hilarity and hijinks occur.

What I like about SeaWorld's Seamore and Clyde show is that there is a definite message about ecological conservation, but it is done in a subtle and entertaining way. Sea Lions are inherently goofy and make for great actors on land and in water. Kids and adults will find different parts of the show funny because there is a nice mix of physical, observational, and improvisational comedy. The show also does a great job of showcasing the sea lion's natural abilities from speed swimming and vocalizing to hopping about on land.

The set is completely new and a stark contrast from the old drab pirate ship. SEA LION HIGH is bright and colorful. Even the costumes are colorful in a 1980s style of high school. Still two-stories, the set boasts a giant sea lion-sized waterslide and multiple diving platforms. For fans of the old show, there are some hidden gems to be on the look out for. If you're sitting in the first few rows beware of the water cannons because you will get wet. If you love otters, there are a number of cool things that the otters climb that showcases their natural ability to weasel their way into small spaces. Man can those otters climb.

You'll also leave the show humming the SEA LION HIGH school anthem, which is set to the tune of "Give My Regards to Broadway." SEA LION HIGH even has it's own composed theme song that reminded me of a TV show set in a high school from the 90s. It's all very upbeat and perky.

Admittedly this is not your typical show review because it's not a typical show. At the same time there is production value to theme park entertainment. The acting of the humans is at best what you would expect from a theme park show: a little too enthusiastic and over dramatic, but also remember that these folks are not paid actors they're animal caretakers. The cast I saw did great improvising and keeping thing moving well. It's amazing how aware the trainers are of the space that they work in and work around. As if being aware of the hundreds of pound animals on stage isn't enough, the performers also play a variety of different characters at the school. So many costume changes. Seamore and Clyde's shows always have the best costumes. My favorite character was the mad scientist teacher who taught about trajectory. There is a cool new animal behavior also in this scene that I have never seen at SeaWorld.

If you're visiting SeaWorld Orlando, then this show is definitely not to be missed. There is a short pre-show that involves some audience participation. There are also pre-show videos that educate viewers about seals and sea lions. SEA LION HIGH is a fun and educational show that does well to showcase the seals and sea lions at SeaWorld.

Kim's SeaWorld Orlando Travel Tips

Showtimes vary so check the website before you go or download the SeaWorld App, which is very helpful while you're in the park. During the Summer months, I suggest getting to the shows about 45 minutes early to secure a good seat. The first six rows of Seal and Sea Otter stadium are considered "Splash Zones," so do not sit there with your electronic devices if you do not want to get wet. Although, with summer temperatures already in effect for Florida, the Splash zone isn't a bad idea.

When the show is over you can see different seals and sea lions at Rocky Point Preserve. My favorite thing to after the show is to buy a thing of fish to feed to the seals and sea lions, but beware the birds. For more information about the show visit http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/sea-lion-high/.

Photo Credit: SeaWorld Orlando

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