News

Andrea Wynn’s multimillion-dollar birthday party is ‘Gatsby’ themed, but hints to Spidey

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2014/mar/03/andrea-wynns-multimillion-dollar-birthday-party-ga/

By John Katsilometes (contact)

How does the oft-speculated arrival of the musical “Spider-Man” factor into the 50th birthday bash for Andrea Wynn?

(Pause as you mull that question.)

The opulent, invite-only gala for the former Andrea Hissom was held Saturday night at Wynn Las Vegas. The event starred Hugh Jackman and featured more than 70 dancers and musicians.

The director of the customized birthday production — and this was a multimillion-dollar dinner and performance — was Phillip William McKinley, who in 2011 replaced Julie Taymor as director of “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”

In November, word spread from Broadway and through Las Vegas that Steve Wynn was in talks to bring the musical to Encore Theater, having rejected the in-development production of “Fun House” he was mulling for the resort.

McKinley and Jackman worked together on “The Boy From Oz,” the musical based on the life of Peter Allen for which Jackman won a Tony Award in 2004. Saturday’s event was a huge bash, with an initial budget of $2 million that was said to expand to $5 million by fruition. Performers rehearsed for 8 to 15 hours a day for two weeks.

The soundman, Jonathan Deans, also was one of the best in the business. Deans has worked on “Spider-Man” and has been nominated for a Tony for Best Sound Design for “Pippin.” Deans has Cirque du Soleil connections, too, for his work on “Mystere,” “Ka,” and “O.”

Jackman was at the center of an hourlong series of production numbers, including “All That Jazz” and “Hot Honey Rag.” Though rumors of Catherine Zeta-Jones singing in the show proved off-target, Broadway star Rachel York (“City of Angels,” “Victor/Victoria,” “Les Miserables”) did turn up to perform for the estimated 300 guests.

A total of 36 dancers and a 32-piece orchestra performed for an audience of VIP that included the likes of Quincy Jones and Steven Spielberg. The dress and decor was a “Great Gatsby”-1920s theme.

Those who worked with and interacted with Jackman said that he was a real pro who used his Aussie charm to great effect.

When Wynn needed the best of the best for this singularly impressive event, Jackman and the savior of “Spider-Man” got the call.


Mark Fisher Passes – a good friend and an amazing colleague

Mark Fisher

20th April 1947 – 25th June 2013

Mark was one of the most amazing designers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with on a project.  He and his partner Ray Winkler brought ideas and concepts beyond imagination to a project as well as devilish humor and wit.   Below are links to only two of the projects I had the privilege of working on with Mark and Ray.  Mark will be missed.  We were working on a project together when he passed and it is with great hope we will be able to bring the project to the finish in honor of his great contribution to the world of entertainment.

Rest well my friend!

http://www.stufish.com/resorts-world-sentosa/voyage-de-la-vie/reality.html

http://www.stufish.com/art-concerts/ben-hur-live/reality.html


Spiderman celebrates it’s 1000th show – and they said it wouldn’t last!!!!

Bono and The Edge were on hand tonight in New York City along with director Philip Wm. McKinley  as Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark celebrated its 1,000th performance. That’s an impressive accomplishment for a production that was roundly panned by critics before it formally opened, and suffered through numerous problems and delays during development.   After McKinley came in as director the production went on to earn the top one week box office record of almost three million dollars.

Spidey continues to be one of the top shows on Broadway.  The show’s success has producers Michael Cohl and Jere Harris now planning to trun it into an arena production that could play in Las Vegas, Hamburg (Germany) and other cities.


Mozart a success!! Back to the lake

I’ve received multiple reports that Mozart is a major success in Tokyo!!! Sold out crowds and standing ovations from audiences that are usually very timid in their reactions.  And now back at the lake for some R&R – heaven!


Mozart L’OPERA ROCK – Tokyo, Japan – Press Conference

A special press conference was held to give the Tokyo journalists a sneak preview of the performance which will open on February 11th at the newest theater in Tokyo – the Orb Theater located above the Shibuya train station.  It was a great reception for the the entire cast.

THE CAST OF MOZART  L’OPERA ROCK – TOKYO, JAPAN

A NELKE PLANNING PRODUCITON

The Principals with the Director


Mozart L’Opera Rock Press Conference – Tokyo, Ja

An unusual press conference was held today at the Mozart rehearsals.  The press was invited to a sneak preview of the show which will open at the Orb Theater on February 11th.  Here is the link to the youtube video of the press event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZOiAjq6CRo

ENJOY!


The beautiful garden costumes for the female ensemble

Here is an example of the gorgeous work that is being done.  These are the costumes for the Female Ensemble for the Princess of Orange Garden scene.

THE PRINCESS OF ORANGE – GARDEN COSTUMES


SET DESIGNS FOR MOZART in Tokyo, Japan – A NELKE PLANNING PRODUCTION

Here are some of the incredible set designs by Rumi who gave me a wonderful world in which to play.


Designs for Mozart L’Opera Rock in Tokyo, Japan – OUTRAGEOUS!!!

The following are designs for the costumes for the production of Mozart that I’m presently directing for Nelke Programming in Tokyo, Japan.   Four weeks ago they only existed on paper.   In three days we will be doing a full dress rehearsal with more than 600 costumes.  Wild how quickly things are done here.


Link to the Mozart facebook page

Here’s a link to the Tokyo Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/mozart130211