Tech-Saavy Broadway

1. Wicked-

We'll start with the simple illusion of flight on broadway. Somehow broadway has us believing that people can actually fly. And in this fantastic scene from Wicked when Elphie takes flight on her broom, with her cape soaring behind her, the flight-illusion was taken to a whole new level.

2.Wicked (Again, because I love Wicked...)

Again with the flight illusion. But this one is a little different. Here we have Glina who is supposed to appear to be floating down to the Ozians in her bubble. I enjoy this one because it reminds me of the Operas and the Deus Ex Machina. Specifically The Queen of the Night entry in the Magic Flute.

3. Chicago- They Both Reached for the Gun

A more simple use of technology. Amazing how the use of strings being suspended from the ceiling, attactched to hands can give the illusion that everyone is a puppet!

4.Spamalot-The Black Knight/The Knights Who Say Ni

One of the more humorus "illusions" or uses of technology. The Black Kights limbs seem to be chopped off, and he appears stabbed, and then vanishes. This scene is hilarious. Also, the Knight who says Ni appears to be 7 feet tall. While these are both simple uses of technology, one cannot dismiss them, as the scenes wouldn't be half as effect, both visual and comically, without them. Can you imagine a fight scene with the Black Knight where his arms DIDN'T fall off? Can you say boring and pointless?

5.The Phantom of the Opera

Say what you will about Phantom of the Opera, it has some impressive uses of technology. The fog, the moving boat, all impressive. It certainly isn't anyone flying over the stages or soaring into mid air, but it is yet again highly effective. I don't think the scene would have worked as well had the boat been stationary. It may not be the best broadway, but when it has such good stage trickery, you gotta respect that.

6. Les Miserables- Javerts Suicide

How the heck did they make it look like he was falling?! (Also, I'm just going to say that I LIKE Les Miserbles...) There's been a few variations of this scene, all using different technology, but I enjoy this one best for it's falling illusion. Flight is easy enough, just have to find the aparatus to lift them, but how do you get it to look like the stage has no bottom? Much trickery, and well executed here.


7.Phatom of the Opera- Masqurade

Let's skip to the end of this one, as we sit in awe and say "how did he....how is he!!!???" AGAIN- say what you want about Phantom of the Opera, but this stage illusion is remarkable. Not sure how many broadways can say they made someone disappear and then reappear out of thin air. Sure, it's much more complicated than that, and probaly easy to breakdown, but the stage effect is strong and poweful, and make the character fearsome.