Pacific Symphony Orchestra’s Under-the-Ocean Gala celebrates the Orchestra’s 30th Anniversary by raising $1.1 Million in spite of the faltering economy
San Diego, Calif.— Imagination Entertainment, the premiere creative producer of cirque-style shows and Broadway-style revues and business theatre, lends its illuminating, actor animated The Living Sea creatures to the Pacific Symphony Orchestra’s Under-the-Ocean Gala fundraiser helping the organization raise $1.1 Million in spite of the current recession. From ultraviolet lighted mermaids and mermen, to giant crabs and sea horses, the stunningly costumed performers transformed these landlubbing patrons into lovers of the sea—and the Orchestra!
“We have had the honor of working with this fundraiser for many years now, but with competition for donations at fundraisers tough this year, we knew we had to set the creative bar pretty high to meet our goals,” explains Imagination Entertainment’s President and Executive Producer Sam Trego. “Helping to bring producer Doug Simao’s vision to life was a fascinating adventure. The underwater world he created completely enveloped the room with projections that created animation everywhere.”
Doug Simao and Kate Peters, who volunteered to produce this event for the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, felt that since the Pacific Symphony was celebrating its 30th Anniversary, it would be fitting to use a “Pacific Ocean” theme. “We were joking around one day about everyone’s portfolio being “under water” and finally thought we might as well go there!” recalls Kate Peters. “In these difficult financial times, we needed to create something that was just as fun and successful as the last three we have produced for them, though our budget was smaller.”
“We worked with brilliant designers such as Sean Defritas and Gabriel Quirk to create larger than life characters that brought the dimension of animation in the room alive,” notes Trego. “With stunning day glow fabrics and internal lighting, the room that was bathed in a haunting UV wash truly made these creatures pop in a fluid animation that ignited the senses between theatrical performances. The deep sea divers, and overheard glowing sea urchins swam overhead throughout the evening, on a sophisticated motor and fly system provided by Flying by Foy. It put the guests right in the middle of the action and the feeling was quite authentic.”
“People attending the Pacific Symphony Gala had a great time. From the moment they entered the lobby, they got it,” exclaims Peters. “They were very happy to have their photos taken with the “live” mermaid and merman, and they loved interacting with the actors throughout the evening. The symphony is calling the event “record-breaking” and that says a lot in these tough economic times.”
Make your next event spectacular with one of Imagination Entertainment’s shows or create your own custom theatrical content. From its centerpiece cirque-style shows to the Great White Way and the South Pacific-flavored performances, Imagination Entertainment will deliver an event to inspire your audience and meet your business objectives. Visit the Imagination Entertainment Web site at www.imaginationent.com for inspiration on your next event.
About Imagination Entertainment: From cirque-style shows to sensational Broadway theatrical revues and business theater, Imagination Entertainment has set the standard of excellence for public theatrical entertainment and special events productions since 1995. And consistent with its namesake, Imagination Entertainment works diligently to creatively inspire audiences around the world with award-winning productions that exceed its clients’ business objectives.
Founder and president Sam Trego has produced over 1800 corporate general sessions, product reveals, awards banquets, and theatrical productions for clients such as IBM, Honeywell, Samsung, the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Firestone, Continental Casualty Companies, MCI, McDonald’s, Pontiac, and the hit show at Sea World San Diego “Cirque de la Mer.” The troupe has played to over 5.5 million people since its first show on May 31, 1996, and this highly acclaimed production has won awards throughout the world for its unique artistry.
Our production team hails from the Moscow Circus, Cirque du Soleil, and touring Broadway productions to name a few. Imagination Entertainment bridges the gap in quality between the Broadway stage and special event production. To learn more, or book an event visit www.imaginationent.com or call 619.640.6500.