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”

Phantom’s Opulent Costumes & Makeup

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The costumes for Phantom are unbelievable, beautiful, functional, and period specific.  We were able to see behind the red curtain and learn how these beautiful pieces came to be.

Sam Fleming is the Associate Costume Designer, and she explained to us about the Phantom’s Opulent Costumes & Makeup.

Sam introduced us, by way of a slide presentation, to the hard working people behind the scenes.  This included people in the Wig Department, the Wardrobe Run Crew, the Wardrobe Day Crew, Dressmakers, people who worked with Men’s Top Hats and Ladies Headdresses.  We also were able to learn about the Artisans… there were one hundred and seventy three.  These included dressmakers, tailors, wig makers, knitters, jewelers, cobblers, milliners, glovers, mannequin makers, and mask makers.

As the slideshow progressed, we were told about each piece.  The special features of the fabric, and how it enhanced that particular costume.  The slideshow showed various parts of the costumes and who the designer / company was… including Bodies, Gloves, Knitting, Millinery / Masks / Crowns, Footwear, Wigs, Specialty Costumes / Mannequins, and Dressmaking / Tailoring.

Sam continued the slideshow with the various costumes.  From the original sketch, to what the costume became.  The various types of fabric were explained, as well as the reason it was used.  Some of the fabric is very hard to attain, as it custom designed just for the Phantom.  To wait six weeks for a small bit of fabric is not unreasonable.  A lot of the fabric comes from Europe, and France seemed to a very popular location for numerous pieces of fabric.

The Eternal Audience are the ones who grace the side boxes of the theatre.  They are watching over the Opera Goers (OG, which is a play on the Opera Ghost).  The eternal audience is comprised of fifty two ladies, thirty three gentlemen, and seven children.  In total there are ninety costumes complete with wigs and the accessories.  An interesting fact is that none of the eternal audience wears shoes…

We were also treated to stats and figures, which are almost hard to imagine.  The budget for this production’s original costumes was extensive.  But, it was used very wisely and has been beautifully used in this production.

A few of the characters graced us with their beautiful costumes, complete with makeup, as they would be in the actual evening performance.  They were very happy to show us their costume, and even strolled the width of the stage, allowing everyone a glimpse of  their beauty.  Each piece was explained, and the fabric that was hard to get or had a special purpose was explained.  It was a fascinating experience.

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Deep in the bowels of the theater, two Phantom Phans, were being transformed into the Phantom and Christine.  These two lucky Phans were chosen from all who were in attendance.  They had been whisked away at the beginning of the slideshow.  Makeup artists and designers, worked quickly to transform these two Phans complete with the costumes.

Once the slideshow was over, we waited patiently under the dimmed house lights.  The heavy red curtain quickly rose to reveal the Phantom’s lair complete with Phantom and Christine.  Our two Phantom Phans had become stars in less than an hour.  The transformation was complete, and although the vocal talent was still a work in progress.  It was amazing to watch, as they picked up in the Phantom’s Lair and did a short performance where the Phantom and Christine have just begun to embrace their passion for music.

The Phantom and Christine as Phantom Phans had truly undergone a transformation.  It was an unforgettable and very magical moment.

Camera Wench
“Have Camera… Will Travel”

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