Lighting Designer Justin Townsend (Here Lies Love and Bloody Bloody
Andrew Jackson) specified Elation Platinum Beam 5R moving heads for the
Broadway musical A Night with Janis Joplin playing at the Lyceum Theatre in New
York and was delighted with the fixtures.
A Night with Janis Joplin is a musical journey
celebrating the legacy and unmistakable voice of ‘60s rock legend Janis Joplin.
“It’s rock ‘n’ roll so I wanted a lighting fixture that could be featured
visibly, as well as one that projects a nice beam,” Justin says, who acts as
both set and lighting designer on the show.
“It’s my first time using Elation and I’m really happy with them. They
are bright, have great articulation and the price point is nice; just perfect
when you have to watch the budget. They project a great, sharp beam and are
really dynamic. They made for a nice addition to the rig.”
An electric line of lighting outlines the proscenium and is echoed by an
arch of Platinum Beams that surround Mary Bridget Davies, who plays Janis
Joplin. Twelve Platinum Beam fixtures cast dense, narrow beams from around the
performer, four from above and four from each side of the stage. Used
throughout the show but especially prominent in certain numbers like “Spirit in
the Dark,” a tribute to Aretha Franklin, Justin often expands the look by spreading
multiple beams using the fixture’s 8-facet prism. Gobo projection is used
sparingly for occasional mid-air effects and audience sweeps.
The Elation fixtures were supplied for the show by lighting rental
company Christie Lites with Justin sending special kudos out to Christie
account rep Chris McMeen, who provided him with fixture advice and support.
A Night with Janis Joplin opened at the Lyceum Theatre last October and
ends its run on February 16th with expectations of a reopening in
March at a new venue in New York City.
Pictured: Mary Bridget Davies
(Janis Joplin) & cast
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
http://www.elationlighting.com
