Back up singers in short lace dresses playfully gave a little “charleston” kick to the sounds of The Parlotones, as the rock band infused a classical twist to their infectious melodies. The Parlotones Orchestrated Live saw the band deliver a mesmerising performance together with a chamber ensemble, arranged and conducted by composer and musician Brendan Jury, at the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg.
For the first time in his career, lighting designer Kevin Stannett from Crosslight had an entire Phillips Vari-Lite rig at his disposal and as always, he programmed on a grandMA2 light. Gearhouse Splitbeam was the full technical supplier at the venue.
Recently awarded as the Naledi Lighting Designer of the Year, Kevin is experienced at creating dramatic lighting effects, fuelled even more so having worked exclusively for Nataniël, a flamboyant singer and outspoken entertainer.
“The look I wanted to create, because of the additional orchestra, was somewhat more theatrical than what The Parlotones are used to,” said Kevin. At the same time he had to maintain a classic rock feel. “The band gave me a rough brief of what they wanted, but were happy for me to do what I do. They really are professional.”
The rig was made up of 6 x VL4000 Spots, 6 x VL4000 BeamWash, 3 x VLX Wash, 6 x VL2500 Spot, 6 x VL2500 Wash, 6 x VL3500 Spot and 2 x VL3000 Spot. Front of House consisted of 24 x ETC Source Four 19°. Two MDG Atmospheres created the haze, an imperative part of the show.
“All the Vari-Lite fixtures are theatrically perfect but the additional output of the 4000s made my life very easy, they really were amazing,” said Kevin. “I used the VL 4000 BeamWash on the floor to achieve some incredible beams. I was impressed by the super accurate control, as usual from Vari-Lite, but was pleasantly surprised by the speed of such a large fixture.”
The VL 4000 Spots were rigged on an overhead bar behind the orchestra. “The zoom was incredible, allowing me to wash the entire orchestra and band with gobos as well as individually highlight specific members. Even at a very wide zoom the beams were exceptionally crisp.”
The professional technical service presented by Alistair Kilbee and his team at Splitbeam, make working in the Teatro a pain free and pleasurable experience. “Gearhouse Splitbeam were great,” ended Kevin, “They always are.”
Photos by Meghan McCabe photography. To see her work visit https://www.facebook.com/megmccabephotography
