PRG is supplying a 30-way Kinesys automation system
for the Lionel Richie tour. The Kinesys system was specified for the
lengthy UK and European leg of the tour by show designer and LD Chris
Medvitz. PRG’s Carol Croft says, “We had been looking at
buying a system for a while, and then this came up – so the timing
was absolutely right.” She adds that Kinesys is one of the most
well respected names in the industry, that Andy Cave is “legendary”
and that their support and backup is “absolutely superb.”
On the Richie tour, the Kinesys system’s Elevation 1+ motor drives
are working in conjunction with 28 ½ tonne Lodestar JJ vari-speed
motors, being controlled by Kinesys Vector software, operated by Blaine
Dracup.
The Motors are suspending nine lighting pods, eight of them each contain
six Vari*Lites, and the ninth has ten 5K Skypan fixtures. All are hung
over the stage, with the Skypan pod directly above the piano riser.
The pods are static during the first half of the show and then start
moving extensively for the latter part. The programming begins with
basic moves up and down and tilting toward the audience, but by the
end of the set, they're swinging around at precarious and seemingly
impossible angles.
The Skypan pod is reserved for Richie’s blockbusting hit “Hello”,
creating yet another striking look that is completely new to the audience
for the encore.
Medvitz explains that their goal was a clean looking show with variety
in terms of how the set and lighting are utilized. “Moving elements
holding lighting are a good way of accomplishing this, and also efficient
budget-wise.” For sightlines, the set had to be open 270 degrees
from downstage center, so the pods “create a sense of depth and
verticality when needed, whilst also keeping things open when required.”
Vector is the first motion control system that Dracup has operated
(he is also a lighting board operator). He comments, “Vector is
very good. I went to Kinesys for training and picked it up easily in
half a day. The system is quick, very logical and totally civilized
to operate and control.”
During production rehearsals and programming, Dracup was able to give
Medvitz, lighting director Joel Young and show director Jeffrey Hornaday
all the moves and looks they wanted immediately – a great asset
when working against the clock. ”It’s totally commonsensical,”
he concludes, “It effectively treats the Elevation drives just
like moving lights.”
Kinesys motion control systems are manufactured in the UK and distributed
in the Americas by TMB. Find out more about Kinesys at TMB’s website: www.tmb.com/products/kinesys/.
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