PERFORMING ARTS
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set and a dusty, Wild West Deadrock, Nev., set comprised of
three pieces: the dry goods store, the saloon/hotel and the old
theater. Spin the saloon/hotel around and you’re inside with
a stairway, balcony, cuckoo clock and bar. Rigged with a number
of tricks, it’s the most challenging component to build.
Making it work is the job of Richard Mason, Riverside’s technical
director. Mason’s days are filled with feats of engineering.
In a backstage conversation with Heidi Waxlax, president of
Riverside’s board of directors, Mason explains his work.
“I make sure everything fits and operates safely. We have
tracks built into the stage floor that we run the scenery on.
We only had 5 inches of clearance moving the saloon onstage
every night,” Mason says.
“When the saloon came onstage last night, they applauded,”
says Waxlax referring to opening night.
“It is a presence,” he says. Mason’s work is heavy on engineering.
He talks about a car that breaks down on stage in the
second act.
“You know that steam coming out? That’s a PVC tube and
two cubes of dry ice with hot water. That turns into a gas. We
drilled a hole in top of the hood and the gas comes out like a
plume of steam,” Mason says.
To make a limousine for the first act, Joe Truesdale built a
completely new frame around a golf cart engine. Not only
does Drew Nellesen (Bobby Child) dance on top of the limo
but eight showgirls jump out, too.
“We’re saving this limo for sure,” says Mason, referring to
the fact that many sets are discarded after the show closes.
PREPARING FOR OPENING NIGHT
Just 10 days before opening night, the cast arrives from >>
No couple at opening night glowed brighter than Heidi and Lorne Waxlax
with their Patron Producer red carnations. Both are astute supporters of the
theater. Heidi is president of the board of directors at Riverside and often
watches pre-opening night rehearsals. She enjoys watching multiple performances,
always learning more.
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