The Shubert underwent a $6m restoration back in 1996, at which time an all-EAW/QSC system was installed. A 24-channel Soundcraft 800B desk that had previously been used next door at the Wang since the early 1980s was brought over at the tail end of the renovation to run the Shubert’s house system. Now, almost six years later, the theatre has finally retired its 800B, nearly 20 years old, in favor of a new Series FOUR, which is located ‘rear orchestra’ in typical Broadway fashion.
James R. McCartney, the Shubert’s union sound man for the past three years, comments: "I needed a console that had a minimum of eight auxiliaries with individual pre/post routing per bus per channel because we have to provide feeds for the press, assistive listening systems, dressing rooms, backstage area and so on. Eight VCAs and onboard mute scene programming were other primary requirements, not to mention an 8x8 matrix because the entire house system here at the Shubert is configured on an eight-channel matrix. The Series FOUR provided all of these things as well as a lot of other amenities that I certainly appreciate, such as switchable inserts, aux master muting and extensive PFL/AFL facilities. In my opinion, features like these bring the Series FOUR right up head-to-head with other high-end consoles costing, frankly, quite a bit more." In addition, McCartney said that the Series FOUR is well suited to accommodate quick setups and last-second changes and is an easy and flexible desk to run.
Today, the Shubert Theatre has evolved into a home for several Boston arts organizations, including Boston Lyric Opera and World Music, as well as a venue for touring companies that present theatre, music, dance and opera productions. Many renowned stage actors, the likes of Al Jolson, Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud, John Barrymore, Richard Burton, Mary Martin and Julie Andrews have graced the stage over its years. More recently, the Shubert has hosted such Broadway sensations as Cats, Dreamgirls, Les Misarables, Carousel and RENT.
(Lee Baldock)
