They designed the lighting - including 59 Robe Pointe moving lights - set and video for the tour, his first for the artist, based on an integrated package that is ultimately flexible and can be set up in multiple formats according to the available stage space. He also wanted to create multiple levels onstage and a playground for the musicians and dancers.
Fifty-five of the 59 Pointes are positioned over the stage, rigged on four triangular trusses which move into different positions throughout the show.
The Pointes are the only effects lights on the rig and they work hard and look fabulous throughout!
They are being supplied by the Miami branch of rental company Zenith, together with some LED blinders and the lighting console. The rest of the tour's lighting requirements are being delivered locally referencing a rider compiled by Alain.
Initially, the challenge was ensuring that the triangles worked well as moving structural pieces and that the Pointes on them didn't become too densely grouped together through the different moves, explained Alain. Placement of the lights was crucial, and all the movement and lighting cues had to be considered from every angle ... to ensure that the Pointe beams retained their clarity and definition.
The 55 Pointes in the triangles are being used for what they do best - all the effects and bringing waves of colour, movement, drama and WOW factors to Chayanne's animated performance. The other four Pointes are being used as truss follow spots.
They have been fitted with custom handles fabricated by Zenith. Two are positioned on the front and two on the upstage truss.
The dimmer, colour and zoom functions are controlled via the lighting console, so all the operator has to do is - literally - point! The tight, bright and highly-defined Pointe beams do the job elegantly, eliminating any nasty, unwanted light spillage onto the stage.
(Jim Evans)
