Broadway Backstage Tour - South Pacific 2009

[Jeff Ward]

Fellow List Members,

It's been over a year since the last invitation, so here goes.

I'm an electrician on the Broadway production of "South Pacific", at
the Vivian Beaumont Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City. The
production won seven 2008 Tony Awards, sweeping the design categories
for Best Lighting, Best Scenery, Best Costumes, and Best Sound.

I would like to invite the membership to take a backstage tour of the
Beaumont. In the past, this was set up so that you could see part of
the load-in, but since this show is staying put for a while, that is
not possible.

Each group is limited to six people, but we can stretch that to eight
if a teacher or parent comes with you. Between shows on a Wednesday or
Saturday works best for me, but if you happen to be seeing the show, I
can probably accommodate your group after an evening performance
(although the tour will not be anywhere near as extensive.)

The Beaumont is by far the largest Broadway stage, and the only B'way
house with a thrust, which makes it very intimate, as well. The tours
generally include a trip to the high grid (93'), one of the catwalks,
a view of the low grid (over the thrust) and a lot of time on the deck.

"South Pacific" has some interesting aspects, including:
The deck (stage floor) pulls back to reveal the orchestra pit (30
musicians)
Two real Army 2-1/2 ton (payload) trucks.
Two - thirds of a Douglas Devastator torpedo bomber (carrier plane
build for the production)
Approx. 600 conventional lights, 70 moving lights, ETC Eos light board.
Approx. 32 wireless mics.

Please e-mail me at jeffbward@sbcglobal for more details and the
ground rules, if you are interested.

Note - Do not just show up at the theater without contacting me!
During the run of "Light in the Piazza" an unannounced group knocked
on the lighting booth door during intermission, asking for me, and
demanding a backstage tour. I am still catching grief about this
incident. I was on a leave of absence, programming the lighting for
the last production of "Sweeney Todd".

Regards,
Jeff Ward

[jeff...@sbcglobal.net]

Sorry guys, I put my incorrect e-mail address in the Beaumont
Backstage Tour invite.

You can reach me at jeff...@sbcglobal.net

Thanks,
Jeff Ward