by Colleen Cook
In last week's blog, we highlighted a handful of our region's talented individuals involved with our production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (which runs March 3-4, 11-12). If there's one thing we're passionate about, it's providing top-notch arts and entertainment put together by the countless talented musicians, artists, performers, technicians, and creatives in our region.
This week, we're going to dig in with someone you may not already know, whose work will take Hunchback to a different level. Bradley Cronenwett was born and raised in Shelby, and has gone on to do big things in the industry - most recently working with Cirque du Soleil!
Colleen Cook: What is your background? How did you get from Shelby to Cirque du Soleil?
Bradley Cronenwett: I was born and raised in Shelby, and have been an Ohioan for most of my life. While growing up I was an active part of The Ren community helping design productions with the resident designer at the time, Don Pontious. I really credit him for all of my lighting knowledge because he was such an integral part of my passion for lighting.
Through the years doing multiple types of production, working at The Walt Disney resort, and continuing to grow my knowledge in the field I began to apply for Cirque. I made lots of connections along the way, and we all know how small this world is, especially in production. As the news began traveling, one thing led to another and I began interviewing for positions.
I certainly did not get the first job I applied for. It was probably a span of six months of waiting and interviewing before I finally got the golden ticket. I joined Cirque du Soleil’s Amaluna in Amsterdam, April of 2016.
CC: How did you get involved with Hunchback?
BC: While attending a preview of A Christmas Carol the cast, myself and Michael Thomas all when out to dinner after the rehearsal and we discussed my current adventures with Cirque. I had mentioned that I was back in Ohio to help with the Richland Academy's production of The Nutcracker which I think sparked a conversation. Later on Michael and I spoke about the show and I continued to express my interest in helping out. So here I am!
CC: What is your vision for the lighting design in Hunchback? What has inspired you, and what can the audience expect?
BC: My vision for designing the Hunchback lighting was to keep certain design elements in the show as true to the actual cathedral as best as we could. Earlier this month I was on holiday in Paris, and visited the cathedral. I studied the shadows, the colors, how the light interacted with the cold stone pillars, and of course admired the colors of the beautiful stained glass windows.
We want to take the entire theater to Paris for a brief moment and let them experience how the cathedral must have looked in 1482. Of course the cathedral is just one setting in the show. The lights will adapt to the scene, and enhance the beautiful set, complement the costumes, and all without much notice to the audience, and that's all by design.
Bradley continues his journey with Cirque du Soleil joining the newest Big Top show, VOLTA, touring here in the United States. You can see his work on our stage at The Hunchback of Notre Dame, March 3-4, 11-12, 2018. Get Tickets Here!