Born of a Dream Debuts in Washington DC
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first flight of the Wright Flyer, and with the help of Chicago Scenic, the United States Air Force Band celebrated the event by launching a full-scale original musical production about the historic flight which ran for two weeks at Washington DC’s National Theatre. Project Manager Gary Heitz worked with Staff Sergeant Jeff Leighton and Tech Sergeant (Technical Director) Jebodiah Eaton on this fast-track production allotted only three weeks from start to finish.

The set, designed by J. Branson, consisted of a series of nine backdrops and town buildings/structures mounted on moveable wagons that enabled them to be moved on and off the stage. Set pieces included a bandstand, bank, airplane hanger, and a bakery wagon that opens to reveal the bakery’s interior, as well as outdoor foliage and general park décor.

Chicago Scenic’s shop capabilities came in very handy for this job. Paint Department Head Kevin Taylor made good use of the large amount of floor space required to accommodate all of the drops that needed to be painted quickly and simultaneously. CSSI’s CNC machine was also beneficial for the job and was used to create templates for the various signs and graphics required by the show. CSSI’s Ken Glucksberg led the job through the carpentry department and the installation in Washington D.C.

The cast of this special production was made up entirely of members of the United States Air Force and lead by Col. Dennis Layendecker, the band’s commander and music director, and its director J. Rocco.

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