Fela!
PRG’s V676™ lighting control console makes its Broadway debut.
The Challenge: Provide a lighting system, which included a control console that would allow fast, and flexible programming for an evolving theatrical production.
The Solution: When the new musical FELA! opened, it marked the Broadway debut of the PRG V676 ™ lighting console. The groundbreaking musical and the pioneering console both won rave reviews. Production Resource Group (PRG) worked closely with Lighting Designer Robert Wierzel and Automated Lighting Programmer Timothy Rogers on this distinctive production.
FELA!, directed and choreographed by Tony® Award winner Bill T. Jones, is a musical about the controversial life of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. In order to bring the audience into the world of Fela, Jones charged the design team, which also includes Sound Designer Robert Kaplowitz, Projection Designer Peter Nigrini and Scenic/Costume Designer Marina Draghici, with the task of transforming the Eugene O’Neill Theatre into Fela’s Shrine Club in Nigeria.
“The desk is so flexible and fast, it gives the designer freedom not to be wrapped up in logistical programming issues,” Wierzel said. “Plus Tim Rogers, my programmer, was an invaluable asset. His understanding of the desk and its capabilities was critical in creating the seamless quality of lighting I was after.”
Rogers added, “The rehearsal process was very organic; things were always changing and evolving. I found the V676 worked well, allowing me to work quickly and easily adjust to the changes. The thing I like the best is that it brings a lot of things to the surface that used to be hidden and menu-driven. And even though it was a whole new hardware platform, it absolutely sped up the programming process. The buttons, the flexible monitors, everything just seems to be in the proper place.”
Both Wierzel and Rogers were pleased with the support from PRG. Rogers commented, “PRG has been very responsive to feedback or questions. We’ve had lots of support.”