latest news headlines
Hog iPC Makes Broadway Debut
Flying Pig Systems’ Hog iPC made its Broadway debut with the recent opening of The Color Purple - The Musical, and there’s another Broadway-bound show waiting in the wings -- the Elton John/Bernie Taupin musical, Lestat, currently playing in San Francisco but moving to Broadway in March.
Both shows were programmed by David Arch, who coincidentally also programmed the first Wholehog 2 console on Broadway in 1997 for the stage show, The Life (an honor he shares with Christian Choi).
David points out why he was the first to specify Hog iPC on Broadway. "I choose Hog iPC for a few reasons," he says. "The shows were over 4 universes but under 8 -- which meant no slow down in iPC processing speed. Because the Hog iPC is a new product, it's therefore fully supported. Its compact size is great for small Broadway control booths. Plus, when it comes to viewing a lot of information quickly and easily the Hog 'contents screen' is still one of the best."
One overall reason to use Hog iPC, especially running on Hog2 software, he adds, is its familiarity with Broadway electricians and production crews. "It's a big issue," he notes. "Someone has to run the show, which may run perhaps years after I've programmed it. If they want to rehang a light or change anything, it helps for people to know how to use the console without worrying about training."
LD Brian MacDevitt and master electrician Jimmy Fedigan are the team lighting the Oprah Winfrey production, The Color Purple, based on the Pulizer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker. Previews began 1st November, opening 1st December at the Broadway Theatre in NYC. Music producer is Quincy Jones. Lighting supplier is PRG.
LD Kenneth Posner designed Lestat, playing at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco until 29th January. It moves to Broadway's Palace Theatre 11th March. Based on the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice, the show features the music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The lighting team includes LD Kenneth Posner, production electrician Jimmy Maloney and console operator Andy Catron. Lighting supplier is PRG.
Arch has also programmed other current shows on Broadway, including Fiddler on the Roof and Sweet Charity, both using Wholehog control products. Besides Lestat, Arch is set to work on the Johnny Cash revue, Ring of Fire, opening on Broadway in the new year.
In picture: David Arch on the Hog iPC in the lighting booth for Lestat.
5th January 2006
HEADLINES
news archive
search stories
FOOTNOTE: Select the news type you require in the red band above; this will enable you to see the current news stories from that section
© 1999 - 2012 Entertainment Technology Press Limited News Stories
