Standing Ovation for Sisters in Song

13 May 2010

Photo courtesy Grant Williams   What a night! Sisters in Song which ran at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City Casino, had the audience on their feet and dancing in the aisles. This was a powerful performance held from 14 April to 9 May 2010, lit by some 56 Robe fixtures controlled by a grandMA full size.

 

From the moment the show began there was no second guessing that the lighting design was by JR Roughly from Vedatec. JR is a chap who in his day created similar looks with slide projectors back in 87. (and we by no means wish to imply that he is a old dog,  Hee hee!).  “Most people who know me will say, JR did this job,” he said. “What I’m doing is not new, it’s just that the technology is far superior now and the creative ideas have become easier to execute.”

 

Photo courtesy Grant Williams   Eight Clay Paky HPE 1200w fixtures were placed on the stage floor which had two stairways on either side and a centre reveal. Robe 700 series Wash and Spot were hung from trussing over the stage as well as from the wings. When it comes to lighting, there really could be no one more passionate than JR. “I am lucky,  cause I  love what I do!  Now, if I can just get the audience to love it with me!”   He interprets music with colour and uses his console as a palette to paint the stage, typically very symmetrical with fantastic beam work and painstakingly perfect. He utilizes a 15 000 Lm video projector driven by Arkaos, and some self created content too!  It literally washes and transforms the stage in colours, patterns and effects.

  

The Lyric Theatre is equipped with a grandMA full size. “My opinion is that this is one of the best consoles,” said JR, who was using the grandMA for the first time. “I personally feel the effects generator is over-complicated but I’ve played with most consoles and this one is up there with the best.”

  Photo courtesy JR Roughly   Sisters in Song was produced by Hazel Feldman, Musical Director was Clifford Cooper and Director was Carlo Spettu. “Carlo and I go back 23 years, from the early days at Sun International.” explained JR. “We did Motown 3 and Tony King and I did Motown 4. Carlo lets us do our own thing, then adds his input at the end of the programming sessions.” A special mention extends to Mandla Mtshali who operated this show which is nothing short than a feast for the eyes…. and in this case ears. “This was not a conventional theatre lighting type musical production,” commented JR. “The girls were incredible, it was a very “today” show and we created a party type rock concert feel to compliment the songs.”
The South African cast had the talent to make one think “wow” as they played tribute to pop divas ranging from Beyonce to Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. Performers included Ilse Klink (narrator), Hayley Christian, Tracey-Lee Oliver, Ntambo Rapatla, Lorri Strauss, Nicole Magolie and Candida Mosoma. The songs were carefully selected by Carlo Spettu, classics that moved you and hits to dance to. There was no doubt that it was the right decision to leave the comforts of home on a chilly Autumn evening to be entertained.  

Photo courtesy JR Roughly 

  One had the distinct impression that Sisters in Song could not be held in any other venue but the uniquely South African Gold Reef City. With its magnificent Theme Park offering the widest range of features and attractions in Africa and the exhilarating Casino complex, alive with the excitement, buzz and energy of Jozi, this is where Jozi comes to play, relax and more. Watching the cast on stage was like striking gold… professionalism and amazing talent, backed with a live band and lighting that seemed to dance with the music.

 

Equipment List

 

1          x          Sanyo 15000 lm Video Projector

24        x          Robe 700 Spots

24        x          Robe 700 Washes

8          x          Robe Tungston Washes

8          x          Clay Paky Spots

28        x          Generic Profiles with scrollers

1          x          grandMA full size

1          x          Arkaos Beta 4