The Vegas Chandelier Experience

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Unlike the last few sessions where we entered the doors that would place us right in the front of the theatre, on Friday September 18, 09, it was going to be a little different.  We were ushered up the first fight of stairs, and entered nearer to the middle of the theatre.  The house lights were dim, and we quickly found a place to sit.  Today we were going to learn about the Chandelier.  (Due to the desire of management to keep the workings of the chandelier top secret, photos were forbidden for the majority of the session.)

So out of respect for my Phantom, and to keep his world as magical and mysterious as possible, I have decided not to share all of what I learned and saw.  And don’t try to bribe me either; my Phantom would be most displeased.  And that is last thing you wish to encounter is the wrath of the Phantom.  One thing I can share with you is that the chandelier is known as Maria, in memory of Maria Björnson production designer for the Phantom. 

The chandelier is a marvel of modern technology, and is a spectacle onto itself.  The chandelier weighs twenty one hundred pounds, is fifteen feet tall, and sixteen feet wide.  The chandelier sparkles with crystals that were strung by hand, in total there are twenty nine thousand four hundred and forty four individual crystals.  The total cost of the chandelier was four and a half million dollars, and it took ten months to complete.

It is interesting to note is that the chandelier was build entirely off site, before it was built a 3D simulation was used. Models in 3D had been used to try out the design and mechanics of the chandelier, but the chandelier was not tried until it was before a live audience.

The chandelier is comprised of four different pieces; the largest piece weighs six hundred pounds.  But, never fear it is supported by eight steel cables that carry the weight of six hundred pounds each.  Meaning the eight cables could support a piece that weighed in at four thousand eight hundred pounds… Almost magically these four pieces come together and assemble themselves in mid-air above the audience.

We watched and learned how the chandelier came together, and where it was located in the theatre until it was time to perform.  We also learned of the safety features that were in place to protect theatre patrons.  Trust me there will be no tragic accident with this chandelier.

We were able to watch the chandelier crash under full light.  Believe me it is still impressive…   Towards the end of the session we were treated to being able to sit anywhere in the theatre, and watch the chandelier crash under dimmed house lights.  What an experience… and I got to sit right under the chandelier.  I watched it come down, and was amazed by the experience. 

During the crash, the chandelier falls eight feet, stopping ten feet above the audience.  The chandelier falls forty-five feet in three seconds, and after the fall, within six seconds of darkness, the chandelier returns from where it came.

The chandelier is an amazing addition to the Phantom.  And it never fails to deliver a shock factor.  Perhaps you should go and experience it for yourself.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”