‘MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE’ WILL ZOOM INTO ANAHEIM

“The Masters of the Universe Power Tour,” a fantasy-adventure spectacle based on the Mattel toy characters, will be presented April 21-26 at the Anaheim Convention Center and April 28-May 3 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.

Featuring He-Man, his sister She-Ra and assorted warriors and wizards from the faraway planets Eternia and Etheria, the “high-tech extravaganza” is described as offering clashing armies, dazzling magical feats and even a roller derby, in addition to troupes of acrobats and dancers.

Times for the Anaheim and Los Angeles shows are 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 3 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $10.50 and $9 and are available at Ticketron outlets and at the facilities’ box offices.

The $3-million production also offers an 80-by-110-foot traveling stage complete with velodrome, plus a battery of 600 lights and two 30-by-30-foot video screens.

The 60-city, two-year tour began Jan. 13 in Memphis and has already included an engagement at the Radio City Music Hall in New York. The show will play May 5-10 at the San Francisco Cow Palace and May 14-17 at the San Diego Sports Arena.

The show’s director-choreographer is Anthony Christopher, who has worked on live theme-park attractions for Disney and the Six Flags chain. He staged the “Adventures of Conan” show for the Universal Studios Tour.

Christopher is also co-founder of Landmark Entertainment Group, which developed “The Masters of the Universe.” The touring show’s presenters are Pace Management, MTM Presentations Ltd. and the Front Row Theatre.

“The Masters of the Universe” characters were originated in 1982 by Mattel Toys. The characters, which include Orko, King Randor, Teela and the ultra-evil Hordak, have gained additional popularity through a syndicated television cartoon series and numerous comic strip magazines.

Playing the super heroes He-Man and She-Ra are Jack and Leslie Wadsworth, a married couple who met while performing as Conan and Red Sonja in the “Conan” show at the Universal Studios Tour.