Berlin’s Friedrichstadt-Palast theater’s latest “grand show” — previews start Sept. 24 — has every right to the word grand with its budget of $14 million, more than 100 performers, 500 costumes by Jeremy Scott, 11 choreographers, eight composers and songwriters, and — for the first time — a BMX and halfpipe act.
The venue, boasting what’s billed as one of the largest stages in the world, will be outfitted with a ramp course for six riders, while overhead, spectators can watch Argentinian acrobats Flora Aracama and Nico Busso work their nail-biting, emotional magic on the rings.
Courtesy of Jeremy Scott
Titled “Blinded by Delight,” the show is part Moulin Rouge, part Cirque du Soleil, part rock concert and billed as “a reminder of happiness that overwhelms all the senses.”
Enter Scott, who specializes in fashion as a theatrical joyride. He plans to reference Old Hollywood, Busby Berkeley musicals, and his own archive.
Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler and Christian Lacroix have previously done costumes for Friedrichstadt-Palast spectacles, and Scott plans to deliver outfits that are uniquely him.
“I feel very confident in that and hopefully that will also please and delight the audience,” he says.
Friedrichstadt-Palast
Friedrichstraße 107, Berlin, Germany
Tickets: www.palast.berlin/en/blinded