Le Reve creates unique environment

By Joe Brown

Friday, April 4, 2008 | noon

The “Le Rêve” Aqua Theater at the Wynn Las Vegas has the unique ability to create different weather elements during the show. “Rain” falls from 80 feet from the high grid and more than 2,000 ounces of soap shavigs are used each week to create the snow effect. The snow consists of a non-harmful substance that melts in the water and has no damaging effects to the performers.

Lighting

- 20 miles of underwater lighting cable power 450 fixtures in the pool

- 9 electricians are needed to run a single performance

- 207 moving lights in the entire lighting system

- 3500 amps of power run the entire lighting rig

- 900 dimmers (with a possible 2,040,000 watts of power) in 7 dimmer rooms on three different floors

- 6% of the crew plays bagpipes, 78% plays paintball.

* The pool at “Le Rêve” uses some of the most advanced aquatics technology in the world. It holds 1.1 million gallons of water and is completely filtered four times a day. The pool fills up in 12 hours, pumping water at 1,500 gallons per minute, and can drain in six hours, pumping water at 2,800 gallons per minute. At this rate, the two water pumps could fill a home swimming pool in five minutes.

* 6,000 custom made sound effects were created for “Le Rêve.” There are 180 speakers throughout the theater, 15 of which are underwater speakers; the audio system, the largest in Las Vegas, produces roughly 400,000 watts of power.

* The aerial rigging at “Le Rêve” is done on multiple grid levels and requires 14 riggers and 60 harnesses for each performance. Twenty-two cast members fly at one time during the show on the same cable used to build aircraft.

* Temperatures in the “Le Rêve” theater vary greatly depending on location. The average pool temperature is 89 degrees F and the air right above the water is kept at 92 degrees F. Even at this seemingly warm temperature, special “heating” areas have been created backstage to keep the artists from getting cold as they wait to reenter the water. The temperature in the audience remains a comfortable 72 degrees F.

The Performers

* The cast of 86 artists in “Le Rêve” represents 17 countries. The majority of the performers come from competitive gymnastics, swimming or circus backgrounds. Their past accomplishments include National, World and Olympic competitions. Twelve of the performers in “Le Rêve” are married to cast members.

* Each member of the cast must become scuba certified before performing in the theater.

Behind the Scenes

· Sixteen scuba divers are required for each performance, using 32 air tanks and 3,500 cubic feet of compressed air. A network of divers, cameras, breathing systems and lights allows the artists to feel comfortable underwater and ensures the safety of the cast and crew.

* Intense physical demands on the performers in “Le Rêve” also create incredible stress on all of the costumes. The combination of high energy dance and athletics performed in the Red Man costume makes it the most repaired item in the show. It takes the wardrobe department four hours each day to hand check every costume in the show for repairs and touch-ups.

* The water element of “Le Rêve” creates special challenges for the Wardrobe department. Fourteen technicians run the costume shop repairing costumes, shoes, wigs and masks. Costumes used in the water last only two weeks, and all shoes have dozens of holes drilled in them to drain the water. Special waterproof makeup is also used to ensure that it does not wash off during the show.

* A complex array of scenery and props is stored backstage and even under the water at the theater. The Tree is made out of stainless steel and weighs 4,700 pounds on land, but only 1,700 pounds in the water. It is stored underwater and divers roll it out to one of the six platform lifts for the performance.