By: Karen Bloom
The multi-media laser and light show, has become something of a cult classic - after 18 years of touring - presenting the music of Pink Floyd unlike anything seen before.Surrounded by 10,000 watts of concert-quality sound, the band's musical legacy continues as their music captures the imagination during a "mind-expanding two hour and 20 minute journey" driven by cutting-edge effects. Produced by Texas-based Paramount Entertainment, a promotion, specialty show and concert equipment leasing and operations company, the LaserSpectacular features laser and special effects set to music from "Dark Side of the Moon," "The Wall" and "Momentary Lapse of Reason" albums.The show, which is continually evolving and expanding, tours some 75 cities each year. "Pink Floyd's music is very dramatic and visual," said LaserSpectacular producer Steve Monistere. "You can see or imagine images when you listen to their music. Without any lighting effects at all, there is still a show in your mind. Now, imagine using lasers, lighting, video, and other special visual effects to interpret what your mind is 'seeing' and that is why people love this show so much."The laser presentation is shown on a large screen in the center of the stage, along with two more screens on either side showing different images. There are also laser beam images presented to the face of the audience, so that they are coming towards the audience."Lasers are like no other light source," explained Monistere. "A laser emits a coherent form of radiation. This means that all the waves (light) are in sync with each other."A visual 'evolution' unfolds, according to Monistere, as solid lines of light wash the room with color, animated neon figures are set in motion, a giant inflatable comes to life and laser beams bounce and glide through the open air, crafting images. In one instance, a soaring eagle flies through the crowd. During the song, "Learning To Fly," you'll see psychedelic, rotating lighting effects, with images of the history of flight, from the Wright Brothers all the way to the Space Shuttle. During "Comfortably Numb," 3-D animation reveals the song's storyline of a rock star struggling to "make it in the show." Brand-new 3-D imagery used in the show actually has dimension and can be seen from all side.Finally the "laserists" pull out all the stops and bombard you with everything in their bag of visual tricks for the show's finale, "Run Like Hell." Special prism screens multiply the fun, making one image become six. For Pink Floyd fans, it's an experience not to be missed.
Pink Floyd LaserSpectacular
Friday, Feb. 4, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. $22.50, $25 and $27.50. Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue. (631) 207-1300.
Also, Saturday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m. $22.50, $29.50 and $39.50. Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, Manhattan. (212) 496-7070 or Ticketmaster at (631) 888-9000.
