Big River Sets Sail Again at the Marriott Lincolnshire
For the second time in ten years, Chicago Scenic helped bring Huckleberry Finn back to life on the stage of the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. CSSI once again built and engineered the computer-controlled raft that lifts (and the raked deck it lifts out of) to spin and sway as it floats down the Mississippi River.

Tom Ryan designed the show’s set, Mark Ewing was the project manager, and Russell Pharr went onsite for the job’s installation.

Motorized Bandstand Hits the Stage of the Shoji Theatre
CSSI continued its long history of working with the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre in Branson, Missouri and designer Michael Hotopp of Hotopp Associates by building Shoji’s new bandstand. The piece, which will become a permanent part of the theatre’s stage scenery, is motorized and can move up and down the stage at varying speeds while making multiple stops along the way through the use of CSSI’s PLC control systems.

The five-level bandstand was built to hold the theatre’s entire big band and their equipment, including a baby grand piano and a soundboard. The bandstand is completely wired with an isolated power system for the music and sound systems. It also contains multiple lighting circuits for the built-in special effects which include bubble machines. The piece, which is jazzed up by backlit acrylic accent pieces, was managed by CSSI project manager Ken Zommer.

CSSI Builds New Multipurpose Stage For Navy Pier
After three long years in the planning stage, Navy Pier has a new stage for its Family Pavilion. The new stage replaces one that was only intended as a temporary platform for seasonal performances. CSSI Designer Tom Ryan worked with VOA Architects, who are responsible for Navy Pier’s ongoing development, to create a stage to meet specifications made by Denise McGowan, Navy Pier’s creative director of entertainment.

CSSI’s Chris Kiddle and Tim Steimle, with the help of Project Manager Rick Boultinghouse, were onsite throughout the stage’s construction and installation to make sure everything went according to plan. Now popular improv, a cappella, jazz, and other groups are ready to take the stage!

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