The grandMA3 lighting control system from MA Lighting has made its mark on the theatrical stage as the core technology behind the newly launched musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada. This exciting production premiered at The Dominion Theatre in London’s illustrious West End on December 1, 2023, after a successful out-of-town trial at Theatre Royal in Plymouth. Its launch not only reinforces the essential role of advanced lighting technology in contemporary theater but also signifies another pivotal achievement for the renowned grandMA3 platform, which has evolved to cater specifically to the intricate needs of professional theatrical productions.
A notable first, The Devil Wears Prada is the inaugural musical in both the West End and on Broadway that has been conceived and brought to life using the innovative grandMA3 software. This cutting-edge system boasts an extensive array of features tailored for complex stage designs, thereby enhancing the visual storytelling integral to contemporary theater performances. As audiences and critics alike are tuned to the experience of live performances, the integration of such advanced technology plays a crucial role in the production’s success.
The lighting design for The Devil Wears Prada is helmed by the award-winning designer Bruno Poet, whose impressive resume includes major concert tours for music legends like Alicia Keys and Pet Shop Boys, alongside acclaimed theatrical works such as Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and The Hours at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. His collaboration with an adept team—including associate lighting designer Tamykha Patterson and programmer Max Narula—has proven vital to transforming his artistic vision into a dazzling visual experience for the audience.
The new musical, enriched by the legendary tunes of Elton John, features lyrics by Shaina Taub and a book penned by Kate Wetherhead. Such a talented collaboration underscores the immense creative efforts behind the production, merging extraordinary narrative with high-caliber technical execution. The lighting package was provided by PRG, with Simon Moulds serving as the show’s Production Electrician.
Max Narula, a programmer with considerable experience in utilizing MA Lighting consoles, shared that his journey with grandMA technology began in 2016 when he first employed grandMA2 at Disneyland Paris. His introduction to grandMA3 occurred more recently, during Danny Boyle’s Free Your Mind in September 2023, setting the stage for even more ambitious projects like The Devil Wears Prada. Narula remarked on the considerable advantages he found in the grandMA3 system, particularly emphasizing features such as MIB (Move In Black) and the Selection Grid. Such advancements streamline lighting design, allowing for more flexible and efficient programming—an essential factor as productions become increasingly intricate.
Specifically, Narula explained, “grandMA3 can manage an astounding 250,000 parameters, aggregating fixture parameters rather than merely counting each DMX control channel. This breadth of capacity allows for configurations that could surpass conceptual limits.” As theatrical productions grow, the demand for simultaneous programming also increases; the grandMA3 system effortlessly accommodates multiple programmers collaborating on the same rig, signifying a technological shift in the industry.
Historically, MA Lighting has been synonymous with large-scale events and concerts rather than theatrical performances. However, Narula and Poet have actively engaged in reshaping this narrative over the past two years. By working closely with MA Lighting, they have provided critical feedback to enhance grandMA3’s suitability for theatrical applications, resulting in significant updates to its operational framework. The introduction of a dedicated theatre workgroup facilitated the inclusion of essential features geared towards improving the efficiency of lighting control in theatrical contexts.
Bruno Poet expressed confidence in the system’s capabilities, stating that MA’s robust technology would allow him to maintain his usual pacing in a theatrical environment. Through rigorous testing and collaboration, they integrated key features like the new ‘sheet/filter’ fixture view, which revolutionizes the lighting setup by delivering essential data directly to the programmer’s screen.
With The Devil Wears Prada utilizing a sophisticated setup—including two grandMA3 light consoles and a grandMA3 replay unit—the production boasts an impressive patch of over 7,000 individual fixtures, culminating in more than 52,000 parameters and even surpassing 74,000 raw DMX addresses.
As the production moves forward, Narula emphasized the invaluable support that MA Lighting and its UK distributor Ambersphere provided throughout the creative process, particularly during the transition from Plymouth to the bustling West End. As they look ahead, Narula noted, “We anticipate the introduction of further innovations that will not only enhance theatrical production but will also deepen the user experience for the broader grandMA3 community.”
In conclusion, The Devil Wears Prada stands as a testimony to the transformative potential of modern lighting technology, setting a new precedent for theatrical experiences in London and beyond. As the production continues to captivate audiences, it emphasizes the collaborative ethos inherent in the arts—a partnership between creative visionaries and technological innovators.
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