SandCastle starts entertaining Saipan tonight

The Saipan tourism industry is in for an exciting addition: Multi-million-dollar entertainment venue SandCastle Saipan will open its doors today.

The new entertainment venue offers Las Vegas-style performances complete with showgirls, a magic show and others that are guaranteed to awe audiences, said Mark S. Baldyga whose company — Baldyga Group Inc. — is responsible in bringing the facility into the island.

“The best show on Saipan. They will see a 500-pound tiger, beautiful showgirls, fun-filled family entertainment. This is not something erotic but a quality product that has never been presented before,” Baldyga said.

Tonight’s maiden show, which will be for those who have made early reservations, in time for the entertainment venue’s grand opening, was choreographed by Chris Childers, who is a part of pop icon Madonna’s dance group. He also choreographed the stunts for the Sony movie Spider-Man.

Childers is also the choreographer of Cirque de Soleil and the Mystere shows in Las Vegas.

Baldyga is confident SandCastle will help revive the CNMI tourism industry, pointing out that the entertainment facility provides an added value to the island’s long-list of attractions.

“We will be able to help Saipan in terms of promotions. We have offices in Osaka, Tokyo and Seoul. We are working closely with the Marianas Visitors Authority and we would like to thank them for their support. They have been very supportive and cooperative,” he said.

Baldyga explained that SandCastle spends a huge amount of money on its marketing efforts as well as close working relationships with tour agents abroad.

“We are doing business with tour agents and we have discussed Saipan at great lengths. I don’t expect that our first show will be full even for the first year. We have to start slowly and prove ourselves. We will work with the travel industry. And it will take two years to develop a business,” the BGI chair explained.

He also assured the public that the SandCastle show will be safe since tigers used in the entertainment show are under great care of its handler. Baldyga also said that animal care is regulated by the federal government and inspectors have checked its facilities in several occasions.

“We have so far exceeded all requirements for the safekeeping of these animals. There is no reason for alarm,” he emphasized.

Baldyga said that after the grand opening today where a total of 10 performers will be on stage, including magician Anthony Reed, SandCastle will be holding its grand party on May 11 for several invited guests including VIPs, government officials, and tourism players.

SandCastle completed its $1.5 million renovation, remodeling and stage production project including the completion of the enclosed air-conditioned three-stage, 300-seat dinner theater occupying 8,500 square feet on schedule.