This symphonic spectacle carries the audience through space and time by combining live choreography of high-resolution astronomical images, dramatic pieces and informative narration, all accompanying the seven powerfully-cinematic movements of Holst’s popular suite. TND teamed up with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Wittenberg University and Stageworks theater group, to design, produce and perform this show.
Unlike productions that simply display images of one planet during each movement, ‘Out of this World’ tells the cosmological story of the birth, life, and death of stars and the struggle of humankind to understand that story. Each of the musical movements focuses on a different aspect of that story and is accompanied by relevant imagery – mostly composed of actual photography, with a few exciting simulations thrown in.
The Now Device is available to re-create this riveting, media-rich event with your orchestra. Please scroll down for more details.
narration: Introduction (show overview)
imagery: supernovae and nebulae
music: Mars, the Bringer of War
narration: Stars (how stars are born)
reading: Cecilia Payne (discoverer of the nature of the Sun)
imagery: stars and star fields
music: Venus, the Bringer of Peace
narration: Terrestrial planets (Earth-like planet origin and description)
imagery: Mercury, Venus and Mars
music: Mercury, the Winged Messenger
narration: Jovian planets (Jupiter-like planet origin and description)
reading: Caroline and William Herschel (famous brother and overlooked sister)
imagery: Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune
music: Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity
narration: Moons (natural satellite origin and description)
reading: Galileo and The Inquisition (the difficult birth of modern Astronomy)
imagery: moons from all the planets
music: Saturn, the Bringer of Old Age
narration: Life and Earth (our remarkable planet and the diversity of life)
imagery: earth and space exploration
music: Uranus, the Magician
narration: Rebirth (the origin of heavy elements and humans as star-stuff)
reading: Albert Einstein (reflections on reason and faith)
imagery: star fields and stellar nurseries
music: Neptune, the Mystic
The Planets is one of several innovative productions that have helped cultural institutions engage new audiences and forge closer bonds with local businesses. The Now Device also employs its visual media expertise to turn parties, openings, and other events into mesmerizing, one-of-a-kind spectacles.