The CyberHoist II system was used for the performance of Janet Jackson’s 18-date Metamorphosis residency at the Park Theatre located in the Park MGM hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The gear was supplied out of the Cybermotion Rental office located in Manheim, Pennsylvania.
CyberHoist II programmer/operator Charlie Pike explained how the system was used: “We used a total of 58 hoists for the Janet Jackson Las Vegas Residency, Metamorphosis. At one point in the show we have a 56-motor move all controlled from one console. In total, we had 14 objects. At the top of the show, Janet rides a half-ton illuminated Taurus while a single one and a half-ton see through video wall downstage is lifted. When she lands on the stage a series of movements via 3 identical over one and a half ton screens move around to fit the moments. At the beginning of another song, the video walls lift out of view as well as drapes that are covering the band on custom built band risers.”
During the remainder of the show, the video wall and drape elements dance about along with revealing 2 dance cylinders and a lighting truss with multiple GLP X4bar20’s. At the peak of the show, a massive 4-ton bridge is suspended in air by 20 motors that had Janet and her 16 dancers dancing to the hit State of the World.
“All in all, we moved approximately 14 tons of scenery, lighting, video, dancers and of course, Janet Jackson,” said Pike.
He added: “The CyberMotion team has been incredibly helpful and supportive with seeing the successful execution of these run of shows. They have been an amazing partner for me and helping make sure show elements are executed with perfection and with the utmost attention to safety and reliability. I was only successful because of the team of people who partnered alongside of me; software teamlead Pepijn van den Berkhof, trainer-operator Frits Ton, PJ Visser, and Joel Gonzalez. As well as support from the local house rigging team led by George Baker, and the show riggers Ben Bickle for the second run, and for the first run Rylo Merfy. The show was designed by Ben Dalgleish.”
PJ Visser, who runs CyberMotion Rental US said: “The team in Las Vegas really put together a phenomenal show that showcased CyberHoist’s abilities. We deal with sales and rentals of the CyberMotion system to shows of all shapes and sizes, whether it be through distributors or directly to end-users – whomever needs our equipment. We also send out technical support with every system to ensure it’s used to the best of its ability.”
CyberMotion Rental US provided a comprehensive rental, service, training and customer support operation for USA and Canada from its base in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It supports the full range of CyberHoist intelligent chain hoist motors, the intuitive object-oriented system management softwareCyberMotion Rental US and its manufacturer CyberMotion Europe are part of the Ampco Flashlight group.
The system consisted of CyberHoist motorised hoists and MotionCue control surface. A group of hoists can move objects (props, truss grids or other hanging objects) in a programmed 2D or 3D sequence, making exact movements to enhance your stage presence, forming a system that is unparalleled in technology, ease of use and creativity.
