Renowned Kansas City Theatre Presents Elton John’s Spectacular Musical, Aida
KANSAS CITY, MO, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012—When Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre produced its first summer musical indoors at its new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, it turned to Professional Wireless Systems (PWS), a Masque Sound company and experts in supplying and supporting wireless systems for live and broadcast events, to supply audio equipment and technical services for the Elton John and Tim Rice musical spectacular, Aida.
“Since the 1950s, the Starlight Theatre has been known for its outdoor wireless performances,” says Brooks Schroeder, project manager, PWS. “So when they came to us to help provide audio equipment and technical services for its first indoor show in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, we wanted to make sure its loyal subscribers would be able to hear the performances just as well, if not better, than they had become accustomed to at the outdoor amphitheatre.”
During Aida’s 13-show run at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, which began on August 3, PWS, working in conjunction with Vista Productions, provided 32 wireless microphones and antenna systems for the show. Propriety gear included Masque Sound’s AF8-X antenna distribution system and Masque Sound LM series to monitor all the mics. In addition, PWS utilized a remote to handle the opposite end of the stage.
The 1,800-seat Muriel Kauffman Theatre includes multiple balconies and box seating on either side of the theatre, placing attendees much closer to the stage than in most other auditorium-type venues. With a 5,000-square-foot stage, an orchestra pit that can house up to 90 musicians and a 74-foot-tall fly tower, it is the performance home of the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, as well as the site of many other theatrical, musical and dance productions.
“For the past five seasons, Starlight has allowed PWS and Masque to really combine our strengths as a company. Having the support of Masque Sound as a leading sound provider for Broadway certainly gives us an advantage,” adds Schroeder. “The show looked and sounded absolutely amazing.”
As part of PWS’s expert services and solutions, Schroeder remained on site during the two-week run to oversee all of the show’s audio and wireless coordination as well.
About Masque Sound
Founded in 1936 by a trio of Broadway stagehands, Masque Sound evolved into one of NYC’s most successful theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design companies specializing in theatrical, house of worship, sporting, corporate, TV broadcast and live concert events. Celebrating more than 75 years in the industry, the company is lead by Geoff Shearing, the firm’s 3rd generation owner, and General Manager Stephanie Hansen. The company also operates Florida-based Professional Wireless Systems, a leader in the development and implementation of wireless technology. Credits range from major Broadway shows and tours including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Lion King,” “Jersey Boys,” “Memphis,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Newsies” and “Once” to yearly Super Bowl broadcasts and installations of varying sizes, including New York’s New Victory Theater and historic St. Bartholomew’s Church. Masque Sound’s 70,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters and main assembly facility is located at 21 East Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ, 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan. For more information, call (201) 939-8666 or visit www.MasqueSound.com.
For further information contact:
Matthew Rimi
D. Pagan Communications, Inc.
631-659-2309, ext. 12
www.dpagan.com
Stephanie Hansen
General Manager
Masque Sound & Recording
201-939-8666
www.masquesound.com
Jimmy Van Winkle
General Manager
Professional Wireless Systems
407-240-2880
www.professionalwireless.com