BoddaH1994

Anyone who has attended Kings Island's shows, or most recently Halloween Haunt must admit that the entertainment department puts on quite a spectacle to say the least. Kings Island is very fortunate to have an endless list of actors, singers, dancers, cast and crew that makes their entertainment department one of the most memorable in the country. The mastermind behind all this: Kevin Brunck. Recently we had privileged of having a chat with Mr. Brunck and asked him about Halloween Haunt, Dead Awakening, the future of the entertainment department at Kings Island and more. Click here to read the exclusive interview brought to you by KICentral.com! Forget everything you know about Kings Island only being open on weekends in October as Kings Island brings you Bare Bones Nights. Come enjoy some of your favorite Halloween Haunt attractions as well as a few of your favorite rides Sunday Night through Wednesday, October 31st! The remaining hours of operation for Kings Island's 2007 season are Friday 7pm until 1am, Saturday 12pm until 1am, Sunday 11am until 12am, and Monday through Wednesday 7pm until 12am. Click here for details and special discount offers. Please be advised that Bare Bones Nights are nights of limited operation. Halloween Haunt will include graphic scenes, suggestive themes and intense imagery and is intended for mature audiences. Parents, please be advised. Time is ticking away! The deadline for purchasing your 2008 season pass, Gold Pass, or Platinum Pass with special benefits is November 11th! These benefits include, FREE parking for the entire 2008 season, one FREE visit during the Fall of 2007, and a FREE Cedar Fair VIP jacket! Click here to be taken to PKI.com's season pass center. Please note that the free 2007 ticket offer is limited to the purchaser of the 2008 pass and is non-transferable. ++This Is your Last Chance to Enjoy Fright Feast!!++ If all of this talk about blood and guts makes you hungry make sure you check out the Fright Feast. Look down on International Street from the International Restaurant as you are served an all-you-can-eat meal of southern fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, fudge brownies and fountain drinks. Not strong enough for you? The International Restaurant also features a cash bar. On top of that, you will be escorted to be the first to experience the all new Club Blood before it opens to the public! Click here to preorder your meal tickets to Fright Feast! Please note that a meal ticket does not get admission to Halloween Haunt. You must have a season pass or admission ticket to enjoy the haunts and thrills! Also it is suggested that you purchase your meal tickets early in the week. This event has been known to sell out!! Get your tickets now!! Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? No Matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park! Regards, Ryan

For those of you who have been living in a cave the past month or so (or at least not reading the forums very closely) Kevin Brunck is the head of entertainment at Kings Island. Of course you may know him as the mastermind behind Hot Island Rhythms or the evil genius behind Dead Awakening. Recently we were able to have a chat with Kevin Brunck and this is what he had to say about the entertainment department at Kings Island. How does the new Halloween Haunt differ from the Fear Fest events of the past? Halloween Haunt, was originated at Knotts Berry Farm where it has been the number one Halloween attraction in the country for several years and for good reason. Halloween Haunt is bigger, edgier, bloodier and is more of an overall experience compared to the traditional FearFest event. There’s nothing traditional about Halloween Haunt. Why did you choose to take this new direction, and what has the general reaction been to the "nothing is off limits" direction of Halloween Haunt? When Cedar Fair acquired Kings Island last year, they evaluated the product we had and while they thought it was good, they felt it had the potential to be even better. The overall reaction has been great. I think the message is loud and clear that Cedar Fair is committed to expanding and offering more than the guests expect from a traditional Halloween attraction. One of the biggest, and most controversial, improvements to the Halloween event this year is the “Dead Awakening” show. Tell us about the story line of the show. The story line to “Dead Awakening” is actually fairly simple and intentionally vague. A young woman is having a nightmare and wakes up within the nightmare. Kind of like a dream within a dream. It is there that she expresses her inner fears, frustrations and desires. It’s not until near the end of the show that we realize that a love triangle has triggered what we are seeing. Like real dreams and nightmares the story can be interrupted in several ways. What was your role in the creation of Dead Awakening? I served as the Producer for the show. With that responsibility, I created the concept, designed the set and oversaw all the creative elements with a very talented and supportive group of individuals working with me. No one person can take credit for any theatrical work. So many people come together to create the final production. “Dead Awakening” was no exception. How long did you work on it? We got the “green light” to proceed in mid-July. From that point I started listening to tons of music day and night. I actually got the idea for the concept on the way to work one day. “Waiting For Tonight” by Jennifer Lopez was playing on the radio. I had heard the song a hundred times before but never really paid much attention to the lyrics other than the chorus. The song is all about longing and anticipation but we never really know for sure if she was dreaming or was it real? Fall Out Boy’s “Thnks Fr Th Mmrs” was an appropriately dark response to the Lopez song within the framework of the concept. The concept really started with those two songs (which would become the finale) and dictated what would happen in the rest of the show. The major challenge was finding the right combination of songs to get us to the end. From that point I talked to the cast from “Twistin’ to the 60’s” and explained what the show was going to be. There was a lot of talent in that cast and we needed them if this was going to work. They were excited from the start. I asked them to create a list of songs that fit into a certain criteria……dark, fun and a little twisted. I wanted them to part of the process from the beginning and to have a sense of ownership with the project. Between their list, my list and others I had asked, I had about 125 songs to consider. The most challenging part was choosing songs that were mostly contemporary and had an element that would fit into the concept. Once I narrowed the songs down to about 30, I met with the choreographer to discuss the dance-ability of the songs. From that point we met with the vocal director to discuss the arrangements and flow of the music with the concept. The final cut has 18 songs. The whole process came together pretty quickly. We started recording the music in early August and started rehearsals the last week of August. The cast was rehearsing “Dead Awakening” in the mornings and then performing “Twistin’ to the 60’s” and “Hot Island Rhythms” in the afternoon and evenings. They were putting in some long days and never complained. They’re a great group! How similar did the final product turn out to what you originally envisioned? What I envisioned and what ended up on stage are very close to the same. The choreographer (Jody Mangino) actually added an element that surpassed what I thought we’d get. Her choreography is edgy throughout and adds a whole different level to the show. She did a great job. Adam Hayward (Lighting Designer) and I have worked together on several shows outside of Kings Island. He and I usually know what the other is going for without even asking. As always, he did an outstanding job. What is the process you follow in order to find performers for “Dead Awakening” and other Kings Island shows, and what advice would you give aspiring performers that would be interested in working for Kings Island's entertainment department? The process for casting “Dead Awakening” was a little different than our traditional process. Over half the cast is from our summer shows or has worked for us in the past. Four of the five dancers auditioned at one of the Haunt auditions in early August. Since we were putting this show together fairly quickly, it was best to offer our current performers first choice at being in the show. The process for our summer shows has been the same for years. We have an annual Audition Tour in November where we hold open auditions for anyone 16 years or older. Vocalists are asked to bring two songs, one up-tempo and one ballad in a pop style. We basically listen for style and vocal range and the way the performer sells the song. Dancers are taught a combination by our choreographer. They are then broken down into groups of four where they get to perform the combination twice for the audition panel. Again, style, technique and sell are the main components we’re looking for. Actors are asked to bring a family friendly monologue that shows off their acting range. Nickelodeon Characters go through a brief movement audition to show characterization. After the last audition date in mid-November, the choreographer, vocal director and myself review all those that auditioned and start casting the shows accordingly. Some offers are made as early as December, while others can be as late as early spring. There are a lot of factors that go into the final casting and it can be a long process. My best advice to those auditioning is to be prepared. Have your music or monologue picked out in advance and have it memorized. My other advice would be to RELAX! Everyone on the audition panel has been on the other end of it. We know how nerve-wracking auditions can be. It’s natural to be nervous and we understand. What is in store for the future Entertainment Department at Kings Island? We are currently in the process of working on the 2008 program and will begin the audition process in November. Like all of Cedar Fair parks, Kings Island is committed to bringing the highest quality entertainment possible to their guests. Look for family-friendly shows in the summer months and “Nothing is off limits” shows for Halloween Haunt! ------ A special thank you goes out to Kevin Brunck for taking the time to answer our questions. Dead Awakening shows on Friday and Saturday in the International Showplace at 8:30, 9:30, 11:30, 12:30. The show will be BLACKED OUT Sunday through Tuesday but will make its amazing Halloween return for one last night on Wednesday, October 31st with showtimes at 8:00, 9:00 and 10:00. Click here to see KIC's photos of Dead Awakening. Pleased be advised that Dead Awakening, and all of Halloween Haunt for that matter, is intended for MATURE AUDIENCES.

Here's the lowdown for Sunday: If you purchase a daily ticket, it's good day through night. Best deal is $24.95 on PKI.com, barring other possible discounts. However, if you purchase the discounted Bare Bones ticket, it doesn't activate until 7pm.

The old discount applies to Friday and Saturday. Bare Bones has its own discount.

I think you guys should wait for an official press release before making future plans. I think Interp is right and IF they upcharge next year, it'll be included from 10-5, then the upcharge will be from 7pm to 1. Just a guess.

EXCEPT>.....I am pretty sure (if I remember correctly) that if you turn over that magical season pass you would find the phrase "not valid for FearFest" So, no....it wasnt a perk. I'm pretty sure that my pass specifically says that it's not valid for Knott's Halloween Haunt.

In addition to the mazes and rides open, there will be: Fontana Bistro Starbucks Lt. Dans Bar Festhaus Coney Skyline Rivertown Pizza Panda Express Convenience Corner International Street Fudge & Candy Fudge & Fun ...as well as more than 10 games. The top 5 mazes are open as well as the 5 most popular rides. It's actually a really good deal. Bones Nights.

The goriest parts of Halloween Haunt will be extended for four more nights on Halloween Haunt Bare Bones Nights, daily from Sunday, October 28 to Wednesday, October 31, from 7pm to midnight. The five most gruesome haunted indoor mazes will be open on Halloween Haunt Bare Bones Nights: Club Blood, Death Row, Massacre Manor, Red Beard’s Revenge and CarnEvil. Park visitors will also have an opportunity to take their final spins of the 2007 season on the following thrill rides: Firehawk, Beast, Drop Zone, Delirum, Flight of Fear and Italian Job. Dead Awakening, performed in front of capacity crowds in the International Showplace Theatre during Halloween Haunt, will be off October 28-30, but back on stage for three encore performances October 31. Tickets for Halloween Haunt Bare Bones Nights are just $14.95 when purchased online at www.pki.com or $19.95 at the gate. Kings Island 2007 season passholders receive free admission on Halloween Haunt Bare Bones Nights. Kings Island 2008 season passholders can use their one free visit on Bare Bones Nights. Season passholders can also bring a friend to Bare Bones Nights for $9.95.

I would wish to know this information as well. if i go I at least want SOB and The Beast open or theres just no point in going... I will have a list of rides and attractions that will be open for Bare Bones Nights within the next day or so. You guys will be the first to know.

Know what the worst part of all is? There's actually an encrypted message in your post telling us about the encrypted message!!

Ha -- good question! I suppose if we have a ton of 3,000+ posters we could add more.

It's Friday too.

For those of you who haven't experienced Fright Feast in the International Restaurant this weekend is your last chance!! Fright Feast is an all-you-can-eat meal of: southern fried chicken hot dogs hamburgers baked beans potato salad fudge brownies fountain drinks Cost is $14.95 Click here to purchase your tickets. Remember this event has a huge tendency to SELL OUT so it's best if you get your tickets NOW!!

Sure thing: It's all based off of how many posts you have >100 KIC Tourist 100-199 KIC Local 200-399 KIC Junkey 400-599 KIC Enthusiast 600-799 KIC Expert 800-999 KIC Senior 1000-1499 KIC Star Member 1500-1999 KIC Platinum Member 2000-2499 KIC Double Platinum Member 2500-2999 KIC Triple Platinum Member 3000+ KIC Superstar

The advantage is, however, that over a course of time there IS a point where a steel coaster hits such a maintenance blunder that it typically is removed. Notice how we see 100 year old wooden coasters, but a steel that's more than 20 years old is slightly rare. So in theory wooden coasters last forever. From Americana's fan site: "A roller coaster designer visited LeSourdsville Lake in the early 1970s to view the Screechin' Eagle roller coaster. We were standing at the base of the lift hill when I asked him, 'What's the life of a coaster?' Without batting an eye, he seriously replied, 'The first big accident.' Of course, I was referring to the forces of nature acting on the wood structure but he gave me a better answer than the one I was looking for."

If you watch the history of Coney Island video that the park sells, it refers to the midways as malls. Makes me wonder if it was an industry term.

I know we mainly talk about Halloween Haunt, but I took the opportunity yesterday to check out Nick or Treat while I was at the park. I can tell you that the kids react to it really well. They even have a magic show geared toward the kids. Click here to see photos.

A special thanks goes out to anyone who came to meet the Cyclones. The event went over much better than expected. Click here to see our latest photos including Nick or Treat, a Magical Halloween (magic show), and of course Meet the Cyclones Day.

On my ride today, I'm actually pretty certain that the mid course brakes weren't on too. Odd. I guess they don't need them anymore for some reason.

[bow]John Allen[/bow] actually didn't do much as far as designing the actual ride as the books have shown. He simply used napkin in the International Restaurant to teach Al Collins the FORMULAS for designing a coaster. John Allen was a very old man by the time The Beast was under construction. No doubt he would have done the whole thing himself ten years prior.

The information provided came directly from the PR department. Not sure if you'd say that's 2nd hand or not, but the information they give me is typically reliable.

I rode it today and found it to be a rather pleasant experience.

This past Sunday, Kings Island invited its guests to meet the Cyclones at Kings Island. The entire 2007/2008 Cincinnati Cyclones roster was on hand to visit with guests, pose for photos, and sign autographs. Click here to see photos of Meet the Cyclones Day at Kings Island! Kings Island may be for the adults at night, but don't forget that during the day is the family friendly fun of Nick or Treat in Nickelodeon Universe. There, kids are invited to stop by several trick-or-treat stations and collect candy, climb aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express and take home a real pumpkin, or even see the Magical Halloween magic show. Click here to see general photos of Nick or Treat. Remember, Nick or Treat is open from 12:00 to 5:30, at that point Kings Island will be transforming into Halloween Haunt and is NOT recommended for children. Time is ticking away! The deadline for purchasing your 2008 season pass, Gold Pass, or Platinum Pass with special benefits is November 11th! These benefits include, FREE parking for the entire 2008 season, one FREE visit during the Fall of 2007, and a FREE Cedar Fair VIP jacket! Click here to be taken to PKI.com's season pass center. Please note that the free 2007 ticket offer is limited to the purchaser of the 2008 pass and is non-transferable. Halloween Haunt will include graphic scenes, suggestive themes and intense imagery and is intended for mature audiences. Parents, please be advised. Remember, there are only a few more opportunities to visit Halloween Haunt before the season comes to a close. Kings Island opens Friday, October 26th and will remain open until October 31st! October 28th through the 31st is Bare Bones Nights and Kings Island has added four extra opportunities to visit the Haunt! The gates to the underworld are open from 7pm until 1am Friday and Saturday and 7pm to 12am, Sunday through Wednesday. Please note that Sunday through Wednesday, Bare Bones Nights, will be limited operation. Click here to see the rides and attractions operating as well as special ticket offers for Bare Bones Nights Special discounts are available to those who purchase their tickets online to Halloween Haunt. Visit PKI.com/haunt for details. Also, special "bring a friend" discounts are available to everyone who owns a 2007 or 2008 season pass. Click here for details. ++This Is your Last Chance to Enjoy Fright Feast!!++ If all of this talk about blood and guts makes you hungry make sure you check out the Fright Feast. Look down on International Street from the International Restaurant as you are served an all-you-can-eat meal of southern fried chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, fudge brownies and fountain drinks. Not strong enough for you? The International Restaurant also features a cash bar. On top of that, you will be escorted to be the first to experience the all new Club Blood before it opens to the public! Click here to preorder your meal tickets to Fright Feast! Please note that a meal ticket does not get admission to Halloween Haunt. You must have a season pass or admission ticket to enjoy the haunts and thrills! Also it is suggested that you purchase your meal tickets early in the week. This event has been known to sell out!! Get your tickets now!! Are you an avid Kings Island fan or do you casually visit once a year? No Matter! KICentral.com is the site for you. Why not register on the forums of KICentral and tell us about your thoughts and experiences involving Kings Island! Registration is fast, FREE, and easy. Don't forget to keep checking KICentral.com for the latest news, rumors and information about Kings Island amusement park! Regards, Ryan

After seeing some of the unworthy things that were voted "best of" by the Golden Ticket crew, I wouldn't really use that as an "I'm not stupid" defense.

Ok, I got word from the powers that be. When you get your free ticket offer for the 2008 pass, it is integrated with your pass. When the admissions associate scans your ticket, it will show the photo associated with the 2008 season pass. The park reserves the right to deny entry to anyone who does not match the photo. On that same note, the park apologizes for the confusion dealing with discounted admission for friends of season passholders. In October, many associates are new or are volunteers and it makes it very difficult to get a widespread message out. They are working very hard with the admissions department to ensure that things go smoothly for the remainder of the season. Again, thanks for the heads up on this issue. Ryan