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"EFX"
is one of the largest production shows in terms of cost with a price
tag of $45 million, plus an additional $30 million invested in the
reconstruction of the Grand Theatre, home of the show.
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Originally
designed for headliner acts including Sinatra and Jay Leno, the Grand
Theatre was gutted and reconstructed specifically for the March 1995
opening of "EFX"
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The
Grand Theatre was originally "christened" by the late Frank
Sinatra at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino's grand opening in December
1993.
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One
of the largest casts of any production, "EFX" has more than
70 dancers, singers, aerialists, and acrobats.
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Technically
speaking, "EFX" boasts 6,000 lights, NASA computer
technology, and 85,000 watts of stereo sound.
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The
show features one of the largest 3-D films ever produced.
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Twice
nightly, "EFX" attracts 3,400 guests. Since its opening in
1995, more than one million people have experienced the show.
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Among
the special effects that make "EFX" famous is the fog wall
composed of liquid nitrogen and steam. Each show uses about 15,000
cubic feet of liquid nitrogen. When humidity is high, the fog creeps
into the audience.
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Approximately
10lbs. of pyrotechnic materials better known as class "C"
explosives are used during each performance.
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Flames
are created in several of the show's scenes by using natural gas of
CNG. Each show produces a total of 475,000 BTUs or the equivalent of
31 full length barbecues.
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The
dragons in the Merlin scene of "EFX" cost more than $1
million each. The company that created the "Jurassic Park"
dinosaurs created Morgana, the smaller more technologically advanced
dragon.
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The
show's Merlin Mountain weighs 130,000 lbs.
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Set
designer David Mitchell has won two Tony Awards and has been nominated
seven times.
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"EFX"
has 85 tons of flying scenery and lighting effects.
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It
is unlikely that "EFX" will ever take to the road as four
jet aircraft tow motors with 30,000 lbs. of towing capacity are
required to move the scenery.
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"EFX"
has the biggest show sets in Las Vegas each weighing approximately
23,000 pounds. The stage scenery alone weighs over two tons.
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The
Alien-themed costumes from Intergalactic Circus of Wonders in the P.T.
Barnum scene cost between $15,000 to $25,000 each.
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Original
costume design was created by award-winning designer Theoni Aldredge.
Greek born, Aldredge has designed for more theatre, opera, ballet,
television and feature film than anyone else in the industry. The
recipient of three Tony Awards and a special Tony Award for "A
Chorus Line," she has also been acknowledged with an Academy
Award for her costume design for "The Great Gatsby"
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Additional
costumes for the show's Merlin & Finale scenes were designed by
Andy Edwards, a British designer. Edward's current stage show,
"Saturday Night Fever" is headed from London's West End to
Broadway.
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More
than 450 costumes appear in the show comprised of over 2,000 pieces.
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The
total "EFX" costume collection for the cast of 70 is valued
at over $3 million.
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Its
takes a wardrobe cast of 24, including dressers, costumers, seamers,
and wig stylists to maintain the costumes and wigs for the cast.
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There
are 35 various styles of shoes in the show. In most Las Vegas shows,
the styles are limited to three of four styles of shoes.
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The
show's female performers have up to five wig changes with a total of
over 120 wigs and hair pieces.
