Crazy for You - Zangler’s Follies Sign
Assistant Technical Director
This sign was one of 20 scenic elements that required old fashioned chase lights to evoke the bright lights of Broadway in the 1930’s. While many of these elements were technically unique and interesting, none of them packed the “wow-factor” for audiences like the Zangler’s Follies sign in the opening number.
The sign
The Zangler’s Follies sign needed to be big and brash to emphasize the time period. Crazy for You takes place in the 1930’s when Broadway was transitioning out of Vaudeville into something closer to what we see today. We cartooned the sign out of MDF to capture the scenic designer’s vision for the frame and letters.
.the letters
The designer wanted the letters to float on the sign, using a grid of steel wire. We added steel plating to the backs of the letters and welded the plates onto the frame.
lighting
Working with the Lead Electrician, we wired chase lights into the sign and flew it. This was only one piece of flown scenery with chasing lights. We ended up filling two universes of DMX to make this show work but it was worth it!
Photo by Ben Wolfe
PRODUCTION PHOTOS
Southeastern Theatre Institute, Summer 2021
Directed by Joe Barros
Scenic Design by Matthew Imhoff
Lighting Design by Christian Specht
Produced by Ben Wolfe