The Week in Review

Andy Collier, R. I. P.: We were deeply distressed to learn over the weekend that Andy Collier, the director of UK-based Technical Marketing, Ltd. and editor of Focus, the publication of Association of Lighting Designers, died suddenly. He was also a member of ALD's executive committee and died on his way to a meeting of that body. A man of infinite enthusiasm and energy, his passing is an enormous loss to the theatre lighting world. We will share more details as they become available.

Nicholas Hytner Attacks Southbank Centre Redevelopment Plans: Nicholas Hytner, artistic director of London's National Theatre, has a few sharp words -- 2,683, to be exact -- about the announced redevelopment plan for Southbank Centre, which includes Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery. The Southbank Centre complex is next door to the National. Key quote:

"The complaint was filed this week with the London Borough of Lambeth, which will decide on the plans this autumn. It claims 'irreparable harm' will be done to the setting of the National Theatre's grade II*-listed buildings designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, and warns that 'a signature night-time view of London' across the Thames is under threat. Hytner said the National has watched with growing concern at the plans, which are crowned by an 'overscale and dominant' glass box rehearsal room with space for a full orchestra and choir."

Whether or you not you agree with Hytner, it's ironic to hear him defending the National, a building that has been fairly continuously condemned as an eyesore since it opened in the 1970s. For more, go to http://goo.gl/xTSWr.

Where Have all the Midas People Gone?: To Solid State Logic and Cadac, it seems. In May, Jason Kelly, technical support manager for Midas, joined up with Solid State Logic. Now we learn that Richard "Fez" Ferriday, brand development manager for Midas, and James Godbehar, Midas' marketing manager, have both joined the staff of Cadac. These are intriguing moves. Solid State Logic has previously been focused on the broadcast market; now it has a live console, which makes the addition of Kelly even more interesting. Cadac once ruled on Broadway and the West End, all but giving away the store to DiGiCo and Yamaha, among others, with their digital products. This surely represents a significant drain of talent away from Midas. Keep an eye on all three companies to see what's next. To read about Kelly, go to http://tinyurl.com/q5jb856. For the rest of the story on Ferriday and Godbehar, go to http://tinyurl.com/peos8lo.

Head of Bolshoi Ballet Ousted: In the latest development from the scandal-plagued, intrigue-ridden ballet company, Anatoly Iksanov, who ran it for 13 years, has been ousted. The reasons, of course, are rooted in the infamous incident in January in which an assailant hurled acid in the face of the artistic director Sergei Filim. Read this New York Times account; you'll think twice about working there: http://tinyurl.com/ovfzynx.

LDR Appoints New US Distributor: The Italian lighting manufacturer Luci Della Ribalta has struck out on its own in the US, opening CantoUS in Atlanta. (Canto is the name of LDR's followspot range.) This is part of a mini-trend in which Italian lighting companies are striking out on their own. Spotlight, for example, has recently detached itself from Apollo Design Technology. For more about LDR, go to http://tinyurl.com/npgz7bc.

Bay Bridge Troubles: In the June issue of LSA, we told you about the ambitious lighting project at the Bay Bridge, which links San Francisco with Oakland, California. Since then, reports have emerged that the bridge is suffering from a myriad of issues having to do with seismic safety. But the Monterey Herald has the details: http://tinyurl.com/p74a8xq.

Priscilla Stalls in Vegas: Another big Broadway musical goes bust in Las Vegas. The latest is Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which, with its outrageous production numbers and tunestack of pop hits, would seem tailor-made for the Strip's fun-seeking audiences. But no: "'An analysis of ticket sale trends had led producers to adjust the schedule to a more compact five-week run,' press representatives said in a statement." In other words, nobody came. The production, which was supposed to play nine weeks in Vegas, will move on to various West Coast dates in August: http://tinyurl.com/nlwzj6p.

Fox on Broadway: 20th Century Fox has formed a joint venture with top Broadway producer and Tony Award winner Kevin McCollum, film producer John Davis, and industry executive Tom McGrath, to develop live stage productions based upon the studio's library of films. With credits like Motown, Avenue Q, and Rent, McCollum has a solid track record, and there are probably many films that might adapt well the stage. Davis has produced the likes of I, Robot; The Firm, and Dr. Doolittle (the Eddie Murphy version.) McGrath has developed stage versions of White Christmas and Footloose for Paramount. Key quote: "At least nine musicals are planned for development within the next several years, with the potential goal to return the stage properties back to film in their new musical form." We're fine with this as long as they leave I, Robot alone.... http://tinyurl.com/pgz49au

Lion King Grosses Hit $1 Billion: In case you need to be reminded that Broadway can be a very profitable place, it was announced that The Lion King has grossed $1 billion. And that's just the touring companies. Rather than trying to estimate Julie Taymore's take-home pay, go to http://tinyurl.com/pn95lgd for the details.