Maxxyz Monsterrific

The latest touring ice show to prove that popular animated features translate well to the ice rink is Disney/Pixar’s Monsters Inc. on Ice, a musical skating extravaganza based on the hit movie. Produced by Feld Entertainment, the ‘monsterrific’ ice show follows the adventures of one-eyed Mike, his furry friend Sulley and the adorable little girl Boo. It has been touring across America since last September.

Lighting design is by Peter Morse with lighting programming completed by Eric Wade on a Martin Maxxyz, one of the lighting console’s first tours. Gabriel Bolston handles daily lighting operation.

Eric was an important Maxxyz Beta programmer and influential in several aspects of the console’s development. He comments, “The reason I started using the console was because of Michael Nevitt (Martin US Control Products Manager) and the beta testing on the desk. I feel the day you quit learning is the day you’re not expanding anymore so I wanted to be involved. I’ve had a console for two years now and have really followed its development. We provided a lot of ideas for the console so not using it wasn’t an option. I had to try it. I wanted to see if it actually worked like what we were after - and it did beyond belief. The console is running well and the operator’s not having any problems at all.”

Eric uses the Maxxyz in a full 7 or 8 universes to operate a large rig of MAC 2000 Profiles, Clay Paky scanners, Studio Colors and lots of conventionals, as well as scrollers, scenery and practicals.

“The timing function in it is incredible,” Eric states. “Just the fact that you can merge time in and not have to load a cue – multi-part timings, spread timing - is great. And the speed that they have this desk producing is amazing. Initially we had speed issues but the Maxxyz software guys from Belgium were writing programming for us. We figured out what we wanted and let the guys know, it was that quick. There are a lot of software updates, which is fine. After all, when the software updates stop that’s when you have a problem. Having those guys writing software to fit your needs was a great experience. I can’t think of another company out there that would do that.”

Monsters Inc. isn’t Eric’s only Maxxyz show however. He has also programmed the current George Strait tour on a Maxxyz and plans to use it on the upcoming Usher tour as well. We’ll keep you posted.