Stage Technologies has supplied 27 moving axes to automate this new stage show created from Gregory Maguire's book of the same name. Scenery is flown using counterweight assist winches and also slides from the wings on floor tracks, while automated lighting ladders are lifted up to let them pass. A performer lift enables dramatic entrances and exits and a large bridge is flown down just in front of the proscenium. This heavy scenic bridge is controlled by two BigTow390 winches which were built in situ in the venue's organ loft due to their size.
Adam Harvey, Wicked's no.1 automation operator, has worked with Stage Technologies systems on large West End shows for many years, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Producers. He commented that Wicked was "very busy due to the large number of automation cues, with many scenic pieces moving at the same time or in quick succession".
The show is a hive of activity. Sliding panels with turning cogs, a spinning throne, beds, benches and of course a yellow brick road are all in there for good measure. Stage Technologies also supplied truss and control for all overhead tracking effects, including a bubble making contraption that the Good Witch flies in on to make an entrance. However, the Wicked Witch of the West steals all the thunder with a dramatic levitation trick that flies her high above the stage. Ted Moore, Stage Technologies director of rental systems, says "Stage Technologies worked with the artistic team from an early stage to ensure the seamless integration of the automation system to meet the designer's expectations. Being involved at the planning stages of a project enables us to realise the designers vision cost effectively and saves valuable time on site during the production period."
(Chris Henry)
