ImaginOcean, A Glow-in-the-Dark Marine-Themed Family-Oriented Puppet Show from Tony Award Nominee John Tartaglia, Premieres This Summer at SeaWorld

Press Release from SeaWorld San Antonio:

SAN ANTONIO, TX., (May 24, 2023) – SeaWorld is dimming the lights in its Sea Star Theatre and featuring a new glow-in-the-dark puppet show musical, ImaginOcean. This theatrical performance is packed with a fun musical score, amazing puppetry, and dazzling neon colors. Created by Broadway sensation John Tartaglia, this one-of-a-kind show is a must see for summer 2023. The glow-in-the-dark spectacular will join an already impressive lineup of amazing shows and is the perfect summer entertainment for families.

Image Courtesy of SeaWorld San Antonio

The musical tells the story of Dorsel, Tank, and Bubbles, three best friends who happen to be fish, as they sing and dance their way on a quest to find a mysterious hidden treasure. As the story unfolds, the characters learn valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and the power of imagination.

“Sea Star Theater has a long history of family shows and ImaginOcean puts a spin on storytelling in a new and unique way,” said Roland Garcia, Vice President of Entertainment for SeaWorld.  “With whimsical characters, toe-tapping musical numbers, and the magic of glow-in-the-dark puppetry, it’s a theatrical experience bound to impress young and old alike.”

With brightly colored and stunning visuals, ImaginOcean is performed completely in the dark. Contrary to the typical stationary positions in which puppeteers remain concealed behind a solid structure, in ImaginOcean puppeteers are dressed from head to toe in black, camouflaged from the audience, while black lights illuminate only the puppets. They are then able to make full use of the stage while being hidden as the main characters sing, dance, and make new friends. 

Known for his acting career in the Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical, Avenue Q, John Tartaglia is world renowned as the creator of ImaginOcean and has enjoyed an illustrious career in theater. Tartaglia's talents as a performer were recognized at the age of 16 when he was the youngest ever puppeteer for Sesame Street. He continued on to act and perform for various Broadway shows including Shrek the Musical and Beauty and the Beast. It was this experience in the industry that motivated Tartaglia to switch gears and transition into directing and creative roles, eventually producing ImaginOcean.

“After our Drama Desk nominated off-Broadway run, touring the US, international engagements in Singapore, Sydney Opera House and in Guatemala, I am so excited to see ImaginOcean find a new home at SeaWorld San Antonio,” said John Tartaglia, creator of ImaginOcean.  “This has been a wonderful partnership and I am excited to share this adventure with SeaWorld! “

Exclusive Media Preview on June 1st

An exclusive media preview of ImaginOcean will be held on June 1st prior to its general public premiere on June 2nd. Media outlets will have the opportunity to experience the show, as well as interview its creator John Tartaglia. Media members can also gather assets of puppets, scenery, props, and puppeteers. Additional details will follow.

More Shows to Experience at SeaWorld San Antonio

During SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular, ImaginOcean is joining an impressive lineup of shows. This summer, Hydropower Xtreme FX, the 2022 IAAPA Brass Rings Award for Most Creative Sports/Stunt Show, is back and better than ever. Packed with non-stop action and a live band, this award-winning extreme stunt show has audiences on the edge of their seats as they enjoy a rock music score combined with heart pounding on-the-water action. The unique waterski show includes stunts, glittering pyrotechnics, laser lights, and special effects.

Also returning this summer, are the educational presentations Orca Encounter, Ocean Discovery, and Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight. These fan favorites feature orca whales, beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, California sea lions, and otters, and focus on the animals’ natural history, as well as SeaWorld’s rescue and conservation efforts.

Best Way to Play

For a limited time, guests can take advantage of the Memorial Day Sale and buy a SeaWorld pass and get Aquatica for free. Pass members enjoy unlimited visits and unbeatable benefits like thrilling rides, festive events, and amazing animal experiences at SeaWorld, as well as unlimited visits to Aquatica. Starting as low as $6.99 a month, Annual Passes are packed with benefits designed to make the park even more enjoyable all year long including free parking, discounts on food and merchandise, pass member exclusive events, and bring a friend free tickets.

SeaWorld and Aquatica San Antonio have transitioned to cashless operations. Guests can swipe or tap credit card, debit card, or smart device with Apple Pay or Google Pay everywhere they typically use cash. This faster, more secure, and convenient way to pay allows guests to spend less time in line and more time having fun. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanAntonio.com  Follow SeaWorld on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news from SeaWorld.

About SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date.  The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent.  A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).  SeaWorld is part of the SeaWorld Entertainment (NYSE:SEAS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.