This latest production of Cinderella, now playing at the Broadway Theatre, is based on a new book, written by Douglas Carter Beane. It incorporates the music of the original show with a modern take on classic theatrical elements, such as impromptu costume changes directly on set. Maintaining this atmosphere is critical to the overall impression of the show, which is why Cinderella sound designer Nevin Steinberg chose to outfit the cast with 30 DPA 4061 Omnidirectional miniature wireless microphones.
Having previously worked with DPA's full line of mics on other theatrical productions, Steinberg felt the 4061s would help him create the intimate sound he sought for Cinderella, even in a large theatrical venue like the Broadway Theatre. Their discreet, unobtrusive packaging allows them to be hidden within the actors' hair, wigs, or hats, , providing excellent sound reproduction without being seen.
"In live theatre, you want the audience to feel immersed in the production and not have them focused on the quality of the audio or where the amplification is coming from," explains Steinberg. "The DPA 4061s allow us to hide the mics within the costumes and hair, as close to the source as possible. While the mics often end up in a position that is unnaturally close to the performers, the DPA 4061's excellent frequency response allows me plenty of flexibility to counteract any negative effects."
(Jim Evans)
