“The fact that we have worked together for so long and have a strong platform of trust, provided us with a great foundation to work through these milestones to execute something we are all proud of,” says Bennett. “Gaga is a true professional and incredible talent. She had a clear vision of what she wanted to do, and we brought it to life.”
Designed to feel like an arena concert, the show brings the audience on a journey that spans across time as Lady Gaga navigates her past and present through a virtual world. In her search, she discovers Enigma, who is based on a character named Petga that was used in her past ArtpopTour. As Lady Gaga’s inner voice, Enigma guides her through a simulation of the future. “Enigma is a virtual centerpiece both on the stage and in the show that Gaga interacts with throughout the performance and plays a big role in the narrative,” Bennett explains. “Since Enigma has such a massive visual presence, it was important that Gaga was well-lit during their interactions, playing an integral role in helping to tell the story to the audience.”
A 38' x 28' custom-built, oval-shaped light pod, fabricated by Unison and equipped with over 230 Elation Professional Dartz 360 LED moving heads, floats above Lady Gaga. As the main fixture of the show, the light pod is designed to take on different forms when needed, including a spaceship as well as a tangible beam of energy shining down to heal Gaga. TAIT Navigator enlivens the light pod structure with uniquely designed lifts that bring the scaffolding wall, lighting pod, halo structure, and pyro truss into position by cueing the 12 Nav Hoists put in place. The lighting, video, rigging, and crew are supplied by Solotech.
“Throughout the show, the light pod acts as a centrical piece to both illuminate the narrative and act as a prop itself,” says Bennett. “Since there is such a large theatrical component to the performance, we use light to bring the audience's attention to the characters and dancers in each part of the performance.”
The curved double-decker stage is infused with multidimensional fascia panels for projection capabilities or blowback effects. Scaffolding ladders are positioned on either side of the stage so performers can navigate the double-decker design with more ease during the fast-paced show.
“Content projected on the band fascia and house proscenium work in conjunction with the upstage house LED wall to form an immersive canvas, transporting the audience through the simulated future,” describes Bennett. Lumentech oversaw the video system and programming, which features disguise 4x4pro media servers controlled by an MA LightinggrandMA2 console. Possible produced and art directed the scenic video content in conjunction with Lumentech and Bennett. The Mill produced the character Enigma.
The costumes are futuristic and transformative. At one point, Lady Gaga herself boasts a catsuit with built-in LED lights and a wireless system that runs through a battery pack. Bennett programmed the suit by sending signals from the lighting console straight to the costume, which was designed specifically to interact with each of her songs.
Another character in the show is a robot, brought to life by Jet Sets with support from Eli Russell Linnetz. After singing “Pararazzi,” Lady Gaga rides out on the robot to destroy the photographers. “We wanted to create the ultimate optical illusion with the robot to keep the audience completely immersed in the story and fantasy that is Enigma,” says Bennett.
“To make it look like the robot is moving on its own, a combination of mechanics, lighting, and mirrors were utilized to trick the viewer’s eye. The robot is on a lift while the dancers control the arms and legs, which are mirrored to deflect light and cause a distraction, making it less noticeable," explains the designer.
Other scenic props include a mirrored slab as a surgical table where performers inject and drill into Lady Gaga, who later rolls out on a healing chair while the light pod lowers over her and ensconces her in a shaft of healing light.
In contrast to the avant-garde, futuristic production of Enigma is the glamour and elegance of Jazz & Piano, where Lady Gaga performs stripped-down versions of her hits alongside music from the Great American Songbook. Bennett’s past work with Tony Bennett on the Cheek To Cheek Tour served as inspiration for the show as he transformed the venue into an introspective yet glamourous jazz lounge.
Curtains of crystals beads sparkle under the same lighting rig as Enigma, and beautiful, clean lighting illuminates Lady Gaga in her sophisticated costumes and her jazz ensemble atop a scenic band riser.
“The jazz show shows another side to Gaga. It is so simple and elegant, really highlighting the artistry in her music,” says Bennett.
“The show really puts a focus on Gaga’s amazing vocal talent and enables the public to hear some of her greatest hits in a much more intimate, meaningful way,” concludes Bennett. “Her voice is a phenomenon in itself and anyone in the crowd can tell how much joy she gets performing this section.”