MONTREAL – The term “multi-functional” doesn’t normally conjure up images of stateliness and elegance, but the two concepts reside together in perfect harmony within the walls of the Theatre St-James. Located on Montreal’s Rue Saint-Jacques, the majestic four-story building transfixes visitors with its towering fluted columns, elaborate masonry work and a spectacular stained-glass ceiling suspended […]
COON RAPIDS, MN – Moisés Kaufman’s moving drama 33 Variations follows the transformative journey of a musicologist, who, after being diagnosed with ALS, sets out to learn why Beethoven felt compelled to write 33 variations of an otherwise unheralded Anton Diabelli waltz. Taking place in both Beethoven’s time and our own, the play raises profound […]
LOS ANGELES – There are times when an essential scenic element in a theatrical production poses special challenges for a lighting designer. Such was the case recently when Daniel Ionazzi was creating the lighting design for the world premiere of the Alena Smith comedy Icebergs, which is currently running at the Gil Cates Theater at […]
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Ravenswood School for Girls has brought a new level of production to its performing arts theatre by adding a collection of CHAUVET Professional fixtures to its rig for two recent shows: Grease The Musical, and Ravenswood Presents. Supplied by Showtools International, the Ovation C-640FC, Rogue R1 Spot and Rogue R2 Wash were […]
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Not even the Wicked Witch of the West could scare away the crowds at the recent theatrical run of the Wizard of Oz, staged to sold-out audiences at the 2,000-seat Thomas Hassall Anglican College in Middleton Grange, Australia. To give the school production a professional stage look, technical supplier Showtools Australia specified […]
LES EPESSES, FRANCE – Typically, when Koert Vermeulen creates a lighting design for a theatrical production, it’s the fixtures, not the theatre and the audience, that moves; but then there are few things about Le Dernier Panache at Puy du Fou that can be considered “typical.” The largest permanent theatrical production in the history of […]
HOLLYWOOD, CA – It is fitting that the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre will host the third annual CHAUVET Professional Student Lighting Showcase on Saturday April 16. Since it was acquired by the Montalbán foundation in 1999, the 90-year-old building, which was once the premier live theater venue in the Los Angeles area, has been devoted to […]
LOS ANGELES – Acclaimed film director Nick Redman once said of composer Alfred Newman: “He was a true musical force, and one that cannot in any sense be replaced.” It was only fitting then that the University of Southern California named its acoustical gem of a recital hall after this film scoring icon, who won […]
SAN JUAN, PR – Whimsical, fanciful and carefree, Mary Poppins nevertheless calls forth a valuable lesson that transcends time and place. In telling the story of how an irrepressible nanny helps a busy banker slow down to discover the family he’s been largely ignoring, the story reminds us about what is really important in life. […]
BLACKPOOL, UK – The hit musical and family favorite, A Christmas Carol, is arguably the indisputable Christmas classic. Charles Dickens’ evocative tale, with its exuberant dance sequences and magnificent settings recreating streets, graveyards and buildings of 19th century London, excites and appeals to audiences of all ages. Tasked with bringing the tale of Christmas to […]
NEWTON, KS – Like many designers, Erich Meitzner of Hoopty Lights can trace some of his best early memories to his participation in high school theater productions. It was through this involvement that he discovered his passion for lighting; a passion that was encouraged by a favorite teacher Michael Parker. So when Meitzner, who has […]
NEW YORK – In 1938, the African American poet and playwright Langston Hughes had a dream of creating a theater in Harlem to showcase black drama. Although Hughes earned worldwide acclaim for the power of this writings, his vision for a permanent African American theater in Harlem never materialized in his lifetime. Finally in 1991, […]