"This is the third season we've worked with Donny and Marie's Christmas shows and tours," says Guy Benjamin, VP at Pete's Big TVs. "This design is similar to their past designs, including their Broadway Christmas shows, but the production has gotten bigger this year. We're using newer LED technology in the three main screens, which are also larger than last year, and we've added two extra LED video screens just for the IMAG."
Based in New Castle, Delaware, video equipment rental company Pete's Big TVs is providing a full HD production system with 3 new digiLED MK7 HB LED screens, 2 digiLED MC7 LED screens, plus 3 Sony HDC1500 cameras and 2 robotic cameras.
The two-hour performance combines the costumed glitz of Las Vegas with the nostalgic feel in song and dance of old holiday variety TV specials. The stage set is a modification of their show at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hilton, now featuring a Christmas tree and a fireplace. Choreographed dancers and a live orchestra accompany the brother-sister team.
The three main screens - hung above and behind the orchestra onstage - are composed of the new digiLED MK7HB high resolution LED panels. "These are our newest generation in the digiLED 7mm line," Benjamin said. "The new MK7HB panel has a newer 'black beauty' LED chip and improved electronics. It offers a higher contrast ratio and looks exceptional on camera."
These screens display a combination of graphics, holiday-themed images and historic video footage, enhancing the singing and dancing of hits and festive songs. Clips from old TV shows accompany Marie's "Paper Roses" and Donny's "Puppy Love" hits.
This year, two extra LED screens - each left and right of the stage - are dedicated to displaying IMAG of the live action onstage. Composed of digiLED MC7 LED panels, these were chosen because of the high resolution picture quality required for the video. Pete's Big TVs modified the LED panels to emit no radio frequency interference to interfere with the audio. The digiLED MC7 are among the most popular high resolution LED panels in Pete's Big TVs' inventory.
Donny & Marie's tour, under production manager Chris Acton, started Dec. 1 in Tulsa, OK and ends Dec. 21 in Minneapolis. Pete's Big TVs' crew includes Brian Brinckman, Brent Jones and Alex Keene. Glen Adams is the video director.
"The tour is getting great reviews for its production values during the holiday season," says Benjamin. "We're honored to again work with such veteran entertainers as Donny and Marie."
