Lady Gaga
European Tour
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February 15, 2009
Contact: Chris Sandberg (562) 799-1555
Rancho Dominguez, CA–Pop artist Lady Gaga has European audiences going gaga over her act that opens for the Pussycat Dolls 2009 tour. But just as dazzling, from a staging perspective, is her amazing mixed-media cityscape stage backdrop.
Its visual imagery stirs the concert goer’s imagination; an urban scene complete with images of high rise buildings, sparkling city lights, smoke stacks emitting real smoke, illuminated billboards and brilliant video projection. And all of this drops out of sight to make way for the main show in just a matter of minutes.
The creative force behind this incredible cut backdrop set is famed production designer Ray Woodbury of RK Diversified in Upland, California. To fabricate this elaborate and complex backdrop, Woodbury selected Sew What? Inc., of Rancho Dominguez Hills, California, well-known throughout the entertainment industry for their custom theatrical drapes and fabrics. This was, in fact, the second collaboration between Woodbury and the theatrical drapery manufacturer, Sew What?
“This was an amazing project for us,” said Megan Duckett, president of Sew What? “We only had a few weeks to design, engineer and
fabricate a custom backdrop that included wide-format digital printing, cut drops over mesh scrims, LEDs, built-in smoke lines, and a built-in projection screen – all of which has to be removed from the stage between acts.”
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Sew What? rigged the custom backdrop as an enormous Kabuki drape which drops to the floor when solenoids are fired from offstage. This allows the set behind it to be revealed.
Fabric materials used included Airtex for the digitally printed backdrop, Encore velour (which forms the backdrop for the main act as well) and Tiger Gauze mesh to support the cut drop.
To create this drop, says Duckett, “We had to look at the big picture and then start in the middle to assemble all the various components. We’re always looking to match the client’s vision no matter how simple or elaborate, and then find innovative ways to translate their ideas into the finished piece.”
According to Duckett, Woodbury’s response to the entire finished effect was “Phenomenal!”
“With each new project that challenges us, we discover new talents and capabilities in our team,” added Duckett. “Bring on the next one!”
About Sew What? Inc.
Sew What? Inc., located in Rancho Dominguez, CA, is well-known for its dramatic theatrical drapes and fabrics used in major rock concerts, top fashion shows and other artistic staged venues. Their drapes have dressed the stages of Sting, Elton John, Madonna and Rod Stewarts. Most recently, they draped a major new art installation at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. In addition, their work was included on the historic 1000th cover of Rolling Stone magazine. For information, contact Sew What, Inc. at (310) 639-6000, or visit www.sewwhatinc.com.
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