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I arrived at ARCO Arena about 8:45am for load-in, where we eventually met the head lighting director, who is a very nice guy. He took us all around and told us about how the load-in process works and how everything is done. We met all the behind-the-scenes people and got a feeling for what it's like to be in an empty, cold, strange arena too early in the morning and trying to get everything unloaded from 6 big trucks and set up in time for the show.
Awhile later we were put to work wrapping cords (I just know at least one of those big COI trucks is nothing but electrical cords) until their lighting boxes were unloaded. They finally came and for the next couple of hours we put up the lights. You probably have no idea how much work goes into this show! (no offense of course :) ) I'm proud to say that I didn't fall once on the ice (it's much easier to walk in shoes than in skates!) and I didn't drop any lights or break anything :) I learned a whole lot and really enjoyed setting everything up.
In between jobs, we took small breaks and ate the catered stuff brought for the crew. They eat so well! *lol* Lots of nice stuff, I was really impressed! Overhearing conversations in the eating room, I got the impression everyone (the crew) is pretty burnt out and ready to go home, which is understandable after 3+ months on the road. But they were in good spirits and incredibly nice to us, which was much appreciated and calmed my nerves.
That's basically what we did during the day. I talked a lot with the lighting guys and learned some interesting tips about what they do. About 4pm is when our stuff was just about finished so we sat in the bleachers and watched this guy focus the lights, which was neat. They have this touch pad and it's completely automated, he just has to go through and reposition the lights every show which must be a big job.
We didn't have much to do for the next couple of hours and the skaters were running late (they were being bussed in from San Francisco) so we took a walk around the arena and walked past Laura Galindo Black (Rudy Galindo's sister, if you didn't know :) ) and her husband and baby. The baby is adorable! I would have loved to stop but by the time I realized who it was we were past her. We came back a few minutes later but the skaters were just pulling in so we needed to rush back and get in the doors before they overtook backstage.
We walked in the doors and they were just starting to come in. I caught a glimpse of Todd Eldredge, Michael Weiss, and a bunch of others walking to the dressing rooms. We walked to the side of the ice and they slowly started trickling out to skate. I think it was Punsalan and Swallow who were out there first, followed by another couple whose names I can't spell :) Out comes Liz Manley and she starts chatting with us like we were life friends. She's a great lady! Wasn't all that motivated to be on the ice but she's just hilarious.
So for the next hour and a half we watched the various skaters practice. There were a few falls, one particular thud from Naomi and Michelle crashed into the boards but no one got hurt. Michael Weiss is just in love with Annie Mae. She is just adorable! Apparently his wife and baby are traveling with him and he brought her out. She's all smiles and just the happiest kid. He even took her out on the ice which suprised me and was almost reluctant to give her to his wife when he needed to practice.
The doors opened at 7pm so everyone had to finish by then. One of the ice dance couples was practically run over by the Zamboni because they wanted to keep on skating. The arena wasn't totally sold out but the upper level seemed pretty much filled by the start of the show. All the skaters disappeared to change and that sort of thing and I was relocated to the lighting booth, which is about 5 feet from the entrance to the ice. I got to wear headphones and listen to the lighting cues and basically had one of the best seats in the house!
All those skaters are just so tiny! I know you hear that a lot but it's very true. It's interesting to hear them talk and get to see their personalities come out when they're not on the ice. Some had major attitudes but most of them were very nice but tired. I have the cutest image of Todd and Naomi standing at the boards and talking. He looked so relaxed with her and they seem to be pretty good friends.
I didn't get to see or pay attention to the show very much because I was listening to the lighting cues, watching the lights, and seeing what skater was next. But I don't really regret that. I'll have memories to last me a lifetime of this show as a whole.
During intermission, I guy I vaguely recognized came up to the lighting console and was talking with all the guys. I kept wondering who it was, even while I was introduced to him (his name wasn't mentioned) and we chatted for a moment about lighting. I realized it after awhile that I had just met Tom Collins!! He seems to be a really nice guy and they even carry around his own personal furniture for him. I talked with a few people and then got back to my chair before the second act started.
The lighting is very complex, although I don't think many people notice it much. During the finale, it was incredibly complicated in giving out cues and you really had to listen to get it all. Overall, it went really well with no major mishaps.
I am so glad I was given this chance to go...the memories are so priceless and I did truly enjoy working with the entire crew and cast. Everyone was very nice and a lot of fun to be with. I really hope I'll be able to do this next year and learn even more. I realized just how much work goes into every show and how exhausting it must be, but they do it with a minimum of complaining and they say it really is fun to do.
Thanks everyone for reading my review and I hope to hear your comments on it!
