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Show Tuesday, October 12, 1982 Page 7 Behind the scenes with Barry Manilow ( Concert tickets aren't cheap. Most of us who attend concerts, therefore, expect a first-rate performance and spectacular special effects. We want our money's worth. Well, believe it or not, there are literally dozens of people working twelve-hour days to see that you're not disappointed when you go to see . your favorite star. Although these crews work behind the scenes, they are as responsible for bringing you a dazzling show as the star performer is. Last Tuesday, the day before the Barry Manilow concert, one such crew of technical specialists worked nonstop to insure the concert-goers got their money's worth. Lighting technicians, sound specialists, stage crew, runners, and even a piano tuner were busily upgrading the Dee Events Center for the Barry Manilow concert. "This is our first show on the road," explained Gary Speakman, - production manager. "I've been coordinating with Barry and his agents since June for places to tour. Manilow's tour -will take him to 50 different cities throughout the U.S.. Speakman insures the crews are fed, meet their production Gary Speakman, production manager Editor: Joan Wilcox Photos by Rodney Wright Signature is published each y- , , ; iif.'. Sgbfc-3-- 1 1 lliifi I till ft jllillll' - if deadlines, and handle any major problems that arise during the tour. Speakman said it takes a crew of 50 to set up the elaborate equipment used in Manilow's concerts. Transportation is another major factor that Speakman deals with. It takes four 45 ft. semi-trailor trucks to transport the equipment. The crew travels on two buses, and Manilow and his band travel via chartered plane. The group never travels more than four hundred miles between cities because of the time involved in setting up the concert. Things don't always go as planned and Speakman said one of the unusual things that happened was that " a split second before the concert, I called my usual 'House Lights Out,' and the guy didn't know where the lights were." The highly skilled crew is able to set up the equipment in supervises the activity. Tuesday by the Signpost staff eight hours and the moment the concert is over they begin taking it all back down again. Then the equipment is loaded into large trucks to be transported to the next town. Speakman said, "We all pull together to make sure the sound, stage, and band equipment are completely ready." Ken Shubert, one of the electricians, said "Everything in the show is Hi-tec." The lighting is all computerized. This system consists of 400 lamps, 6 spotlights, and 12 new panaspots. Manilow is the first to use these new type lights in concert. Ken had time to see a little of Odgen and said, "Weber State is a good-looking campus. I've seen many places in the past two years while traveling with Barry and that has been a real advantage of the job." Mark Gordon, Manilow tour promoter, said it is his job to do the advance work of finding a suitable facility for the concert. He knows what the group needs to properly set up the concert and he insures that the crew doesn't abuse the facility. He said that every facility is different and that every night is an opening night. Gordon said that the Dee Events Center "is super, but we're surprised that so many people can :it in here. It's a little on the small side. Barry prefers more of a runway." Another key person in the Manilow crew is the piano tuner, John Borlin. Borlin travels with the tour to take special care of the white grand piano that Manilow uses while in concert. Borlin has perfect pitch and was picked up by the Manilow agents after being spotted in a Broadway theatre. When Borlin is not on tour with Manilow, he attends New York University. He someday hopes to own his own equipment to rent out to entertainers. Truck driver, Claude Sexton, is one of the people responsible for the safe transfer of the band's equpiment. He has been on tour in the past with the Rolling Stones and Diana Ross. Sexton said the "most interesting aspect of the road tours is going to the different cities and meeting all the different people." He said that after all the equipment is unloaded, the production crew takes over and he justs wait to get on the road again. Manilow's sound and stage equipment require careful handling as they are very sophisticated. He uses six large speakers suspended above the stage to produce the high quality sound that he is famous for. The stage itself, specially constructed by the crew, weighs 13,000 pounds loaded and rotates three to nine times per hour. Security is a big factor in planning a concert. Protection for Manilow was provided by the WSC police and Ed Bryant of the Hilton Hotel security force. Officer Dave Heston said that an officer was posted outside of Manilow's hotel room A i P i - 4 fc . n t if If i l- . I X i I n 1 1 ?Al & n Crew members assemble stage. for two hours before he came and stayed until he left Ogden. He said Manilow is concerned about over-enthusiastic fans and so there will be at least five of his people with him at all times. Guarding the equipment carefully, was WSC Police Chief Cassidy. "There were four semi's worth of equipment and we won't let it out of our sight until it leaves. Chief Cassidy said, "There will be close to fifty police to make sure things go well. During the sound check rehearsal the Dee Events Center will be sealed totally. No one but the police, the crew, the band and Manilow will be allowed in. We also secure the back stage doors and provide extra bodyguard protection." WSC Choralition provided backup for Manilow. "I couldn't believe I'd ever have this opportunity," said Becky Sass. Karri Allen was all smiles because she had brought her sheet music for Manilow to sign. Dr. Wooden, WSC music director trained the thirty-two members and said, "I was contacted by Manilow's music director to do the show and we were excited about the opportunity."Now that you know what is involved in bringing a concert to the Dee Events Center, you'll be able to appreciate not only the talent of the star but also the hard work of the crew. Their job is to make sure you have a great time and get your money's worth. |