Sydney Opera House
Storm Lighting were very happy to be re-invited to design for the second year running the highest grossing show the opera house has ever had.
The design was by Pete Kramer , and guidance by an old colleague Gavin Norris, now a full time production manager for the opera house.
The show was a tricky feat due to the high rig trim height and weight loading restrictions of the listed building.
The lights used were Varilite VL3500's, VL2500s, VL2000 spots and a variety of led fixtures.
The review for the show is below:
It's standing room only for this astonishing performance by Le Grand Cirque, returning after a sellout season last year with a
production entitled 'Aerial Dreams '. The Sydney Opera House Concert Hall has been converted into a fantasyland where the seemingly
impossible is achieved nightly. Prepare to be seriously amazed!
It is slick, bold and spectacular, combining high-tech wizardry (the special lighting rig is huge and there are some marvelous
special effects) and absolutely jaw-dropping feats of team work, balance and skill by top world class acts from around the globe.
Children will love the music, the bright bold colours and be fascinated by the lighting. They will also enjoy, for example, the kites
that float like jellyfish in act two. Adults will appreciate the balanced mix of strength, grace and beauty in the breath-taking
acts.
In some ways similar to Canada's Cirque du Soleil, Le Grand Cirque originally premiered in America in 2004. In 'Aerial
Dreams' there is no real theme or narrative story as such, rather a combination of various dazzling acts of aerialists, acrobats,
contortionists, jugglers etc. Costume designs are inspired by the natural elements and the four seasons. Some costumes, depending on
the act, are based on Greek mythology or traditional Chinese stories.
In Act 1, for example, there is a quicksilver team of tumblers jumping through hoops. There is also a high aerial balancing act to
Ravel's Bolero, an amazing balancing act up a ladder and male duo equilibrium act. As well there is a golden-suited contortionist who
is like a liquid candelabra, balancing lights on her hands and feet..
There is audience participation and interaction as well - great timing by the clowns that combines risk taking with laughter.
Act two sees how many red elves carrying fans can balance on a bicycle (count them!); a mesmerizing balancing on a high stack of
chairs act (gulp) a spectacular, sculptural aerial 'Russian strap' act where Igor flies over the audience a contortionist/balancing
act (en pointe) to the music of Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' and the heart-stopping grand finale of the amazing two silver-suited men in
the 'Wheel of Death' that has to be seen to be believed!
Lots of ooohs and aaahs from the audience and incredible skill, lighting and texture combine for perfect January fare.
