Chopper Now Cleared For Takeoff
About 10,000 pounds of steel beams and reinforced weight-bearing grids arrived at the Spokane Opera House last week, all in the name of art.
A crew from the Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Theatre Company Inc. spent 10 days welding, hammering and pounding the Opera House into shape for the demands that will soon be placed upon it by a pair of uncommonly heavy props.
The newly strengthened ceiling is now ready for a helicopter in “Miss Saigon” (Dec. 30-Jan. 9) and the massive chandelier in “Phantom of the Opera” (Feb. 23-March 12).
“They did major strengthening and support work above the stage and above the orchestra pit,” said Mike Kobluk of the Opera House. “It was all at their expense, but this will help us with a number of other shows that travel with really heavy sets and scenery.”
Of course, it’s only technically at “their” expense. The costs are passed along in a $2.50 per ticket theater-modification charge, already included in all “Phantom” tickets. Still, the Opera House gets the permanent benefit.
Reinforcing theaters is old hat for impresario Mackintosh, who is the producer of both of these shows as well as “Les Miserables,” which opens Sept. 1.
“I think we’ve reinforced virtually every grid in America by now,” Mackintosh said from his office in New York.
You might think that the helicopter would be the biggest challenge - it actually appears to lift off into the sky during a key moment in “Miss Saigon.” Yet the chandelier in “Phantom” is an even bigger challenge. This glittering monstrosity weighs 1,000 pounds and is required to sway menacingly above the orchestra pit, and then…Well, we won’t give anything away, but we will point out that the real Paris Opera chandelier’s counter-weight crashed to the ground in 1896, killing an unwitting opera-goer.
These new steel grids will also help support the weight of the two-and-a-half-ton false proscenium, which simulates the elaborate Paris Opera’s stage arch.
In addition, the crew remodeled the outmoded projection room at the back of the Opera House and turned it into something more useful — a lighting console booth.
Kobluk said that most theatergoers won’t notice any of these changes. But they might appreciate them, especially if they happen to be seated under that swaying chandelier.
The FOX news verdict
Opinion is split on “FOX 28 News at Ten,” which debuted two weeks ago.
We asked Spotlight readers to write in or call in with their impressions. A few readers said they like the newscast’s fresh, friendly faces and the time slot.
“I think it’s great that we don’t have to sit up until 11 p.m.,” said one reader. “I like that group sitting there. Some of the other (newscasters) take Spokane for granted.”
“We think they’re doing a great job, and we especially like the lady doing the anchor work (Linda Stratton),” said another caller.
“I think it looks great,” said one correspondent. “The more competition, the better! I also love their look, and it is nice to see some young anchors. Their weatherman (Paul Horton) is a true hunk!”
However, there were a few dissenting opinions, too.
“The much anticipated `FOX 28 News at Ten’ is definitely a letdown,” said one viewer. “The content is fluff, there is no live coverage of events and the weatherman acts like he is using his weather segment to pick up dates (`Call ME for your personal forecast’).”
“Before they were even on the air they were driving me nuts,” said another. “…The `teasers’ that run during regular programming are just like the tabloid headlines while you’re standing in the checkout line. During sweeps, I’m expecting that they’re going to be doing an on-location feature from where Elvis has been all these years. Puh-leese.”
Another reader, noting a teased story about “women with large busts,” wrote, “I refuse to be shamelessly sucked in by their sleaze.”
Hmm. Let’s call it a draw for now. A bigger problem might be indifference. Only 10 people responded, which, on the scale of Spotlight reader solicitations, is on the low side.
Advance warning
As part of Spotlight’s unending crusade to ensure that everyone knows their concert-going options, here are a few of the newly announced shows coming to town.
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers - The famous Ziggy brings his reggae show to the Masonic Temple on Sept. 1.
Diane Krall with the Spokane Jazz Orchestra - I saw Krall at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and let me tell you, this is one phenomenal jazz vocalist and pianist. Since then, she has become an international sensation. Sept. 10, at the Opera House.
Jethro Tull - Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but Ian Anderson and the boys are booked into the Opera House on Sept. 29.
Ben Harper - He’s the best of a new generation of rhythm-blues-soul-pop performers, and he’s coming to the Opera House Oct. 14.
Tickets for all shows (except Tull) are available through G&B Select-a-Seat, 325-SEAT or (800) 325-SEAT.
Don’t overlook Wolfgang
On a more operatic note, don’t forget the Spokane Opera’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” by Mozart, Sept. 3-12 at The Met. Tickets are available through G&B Select-a-Seat.