Lighting designer is Tom Kenny who has worked with the group for several years. "They fit perfectly in with all my other clients as they're standard of show is brilliant and the music is very emotional," he says. "Ask any of their millions of fans - the show flows like a well-oiled machine."
Lighting supply for the tour is by Upstaging who have also supplied Martin MAC 700 Profile and MAC 700 Wash fixtures for the show.
"It was the first time that Upstaging worked with the tight knit Celtic Woman production," Kenny says, "and they blew us away on all levels with their customer support, exceptionally well-maintained equipment and first-class service from Paul Costa and John Huddleston. I've got very high standards when it comes to lighting vendors and they impressed me far and beyond."
Kenny says he was fortunate to get a look at the Aura from Gary Mass and Brian Friborg at Martin US before they were launched at PLASA last September. "Paul Costa at Upstaging then asked me if I'd like to use the Aura and I jumped at the chance," he said.
Kenny uses the MAC Auras to wash the scenic drapes, set and band in colour, shades that also complement the musicians' striking wardrobe. He comments, "Celtic Woman's unstoppable Costume Designer Synan O'Mahony comes up with absolutely stunning dresses and ball gowns and the color and look of the costume are as much a part of the design as Tom McPhilips' beautiful set.
"I'm a true colours person so I'm amazed at how close to the colour the Auras can get with beautiful white looks and deep reds and oranges."
The MAC Aura incorporates two independent colour systems in one luminaire - multicolour beam LEDs and a backlight LED lens array. The two colour systems can be mixed and matched to create new looks and effects.
"We have a lot of cross stage moves in transitions so we have the Aura backlight effect on in blackouts," explains Kenny. "It works like a treat. It's a strange effect that the eye loves."
(Jim Evans)
