Cirque de la Mer Soaring at SeaWorld

Picture the Little Mermaid as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” and you’ll have an idea of what to expect from the new Cirque de la Mer at SeaWorld. Acrobats in sea-dweller garb flip and twirl on bungee trapezes above Mission Bay with all the finesse and athleticism of action hero Croft in her dramatic dance to dodge menacing hit men.

Mer people, called Sea Sprites, handle the watercraft, spinning and swooshing across the bay in a manner similar to Croft’s daredevil maneuvers on a motorcycle.

But there are no bullets or bad guys in Cirque de la Mer. Instead, the stunts are about physical strength, discipline and balance, interspersed with daring dives and skits played for laughs, with the scenic Mission Bay as a backdrop.

The nimble performers are a diverse group, drafted from Mexico, Brazil, Ukraine and the United States. One is a former Mexican national champion gymnast, another is a European national champion; five have performed with Cirque du Soleil.

Coming together for Cirque de la Mer was not all smooth sailing. Although the agile performers are veterans of the trapezes and aerial acrobatics, most had never worked in water.

“There were some challenges,” says Ernie Scott, the show’s producer. “They’re in salt water in a natural lagoon. They all knew how to swim but had never worked in a water-based show before.”

The troupe members have not simply adapted to the water, they make it look like fun.

The addition of Cirque de la Mer reflects the park’s efforts to keep the attraction fresh, and SeaWorld is going full steam ahead with plans for more additions. Critics have argued that expansion plans (which include a parking structure and hotel) will bring more noise and traffic to the bay. But SeaWorld considers the expansion necessary, an official says, to compete with other Southland theme parks.

Some of the Southland’s parks, including Disney’s California Adventure, Universal Studios and Knott’s Berry Farm, have dropped their prices for Southern California residents this summer, in an effort to draw more visitors. SeaWorld is banking on its Rockin’ Summer Nights, extending its summer hours to 10 or 11 p.m. and offering hip new shows, live music and attractions to draw more crowds.

‘It’s an All-New Park After Dark’

Throughout summer, visitors can catch the last Cirque de la Mer show of the day, which usually begins about 6:30 p.m., then stick around for the Rockin’ Summer Nights, now through Labor Day.

“It’s an all-new park after dark,” Scott says. “There’s more of a rock ‘n’ roll attitude, with lights and music and a real energy.”

After dark, new attractions are added and daytime shows altered for a whole different experience. The outdoor bird stadium, for instance, is transformed for the aerial and ice show, “World Rhythms on Ice,” featuring champion ice skaters and gymnasts.

Over at the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium, Clyde and Seamore, stars of the popular daytime “Fools With Tools,” give an evening performance of “Sea Lions Tonite,” a parody of “Saturday Night Live” and other TV shows. The duo is always a tough act to follow, but Shamu is not about to be upstaged. The killer whale returns after dark, as well, with “Shamu’s House of Douse.”

“Pirates 4-D” continues on the big screen with two showings after dark, featuring the comedic Leslie Nielsen and his hapless band of pirates.

Each night is capped off with fireworks.

One ongoing concern at SeaWorld is the care and conservation of aquatic life, as exhibited through the entertaining, often hilarious, stadium shows and displays. The park’s only thrill ride to date, Shipwreck Rapids, opened three years ago. A favorite attraction on hot days, the rollicking raft is best experienced in quick-drying nylon shorts and shirt--forget about a good hair day.

Wild Arctic is another “ride” of sorts, which not only looks cold but offers a nice blast of cool air to contrast with the summer heat. The attraction begins with a simulated helicopter ride, similar to Disneyland’s Star Tours, followed by a walk through what appears to be a research station in the frozen north. Along the way are live polar bears, white beluga whales and other marine mammals frolicking behind glass aquariums that allow the public to see what they’re up to above and below the water.

The only other “rides” offered at SeaWorld are the 320-foot-high Southwest Skytower and the Bayside Skyride, which glides above Mission Bay (both cost an additional $2.75).

SeaWorld continues to offer educational opportunities, including a summer day camp for kids and animal interaction programs, ranging from a behind-the-scenes tour ($10 for adults; $8 for children and seniors) to a new program this year, called Trainer for a Day ($350), which allows guests 13 and older the chance to spend the day feeding and caring for the dolphins and whales, alongside the trainers.

* SeaWorld, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego. Hours vary. Admission: $41.95; $38.95, seniors; $31.95, ages 3-11; two-day ticket, $3 more. Discounts available. (619) 226-3901. For more information on the camps and other programs, call (800) 380-3202, or check the Web site, https://www.seaworld.comhttps://.