Visual act has delivered four Analog radio controlled wagons, with integrated turntables, to the Helsinki City Theatre for their new production of “Wicked” (songs and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman). This musical was first shown in New York in 2003 and is opening August 26th in Helsinki. “Wicked” is directed by Hans Berntsson and the set designer is Mikael Varhelyi.
Varhelyi’s design is based on four rotating towers tracked diagonally across the theatre’s revolving stage. The Visual act Analog wagon system is used to automate the motion of the towers. The motions of the towers along with the motion of the stage help to create a large variety of looks and effects.
"Wicked" at the Helsinki City Theatre. Photo by Helsinki City Theatre.
Each tower is based on a special version of the two axis Visual act Analog wagon. One axis controls the linear motion and one controls the rotation. The operator can easily stop the rotation at one of 4 programmed positions. Technical director Keijo Koli noted that he and the stage crew are pleased the reliability of the system and its ease of operation.