Laser Spectacular creating unique visual experience
Paramount Entertainment will host The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at the Murphy Arts District First Financial Music Hall on March 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Steve Monistere, producer of the Laser Spectacular, said the show celebrates 50 years of Pink Floyd and presents the original master recordings of the British psychedelic band in a unique and entertaining fashion that can only be garnered by experiencing it firsthand.
“We handout 3-D glasses for the show, and for another half of the show we have what’s like a prism effect,” Monistere said. “People watching lasers with those glasses on is not something that any person can do because most people don’t own lasers or sit around at home doing laser shows with effects to enhance what they’re seeing.”
Monistere, who originally produced the laser light show back in 1986, said his appreciation for Pink Floyd has grown and evolved over the years. He also admitted that back in 1986, he didn’t really know much about the band except some of their more mainstream hits like “Money” and the 1979 album The Wall, which inspired a film of the same name that was released three years later.
“It was during the early days of doing the show that I had to do a lot of research. I had to listen to the Floyd music and all the albums to decide which songs to put into the show, and which songs would work well with the presentation of lasers and lights,” Monistere said.
It is this extensive exploration of Pink Floyd’s catalog of music that made him an admirer.
“After that I was like, ‘woah, woah. This is great,’” Monistere said. “Nowadays I can’t say enough about Pink Floyd. They’re wonderful composers, their sound is wide open, you can see their music in your mind’s eye; you can literally sit in a dark room, close your eyes, listen to their music and see the colors and the music.”
He holds Pink Floyd in such a high regard that he makes a bold prediction on how the band will be viewed in the future.
“I believe that 40 to 50 years from now, Pink Floyd is going to be in the same sentence with Beethoven, Bach and the other greats because their composing and writing skills are just that strong,” Monistere said.
The group is in the United States and United Kingdom Rock ‘n’ Roll Halls of Fame and boasts numerous other awards. Their album sales have topped 250 million and many consider them to be of the same caliber as other rock bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.
Monistere urged those who attend to have a great time and not be afraid to express themselves.
“We want to create kind of
a Rocky Horror Picture atmosphere,” Monistere said. “We’re encouraging the audience from the time they walk in the door to be loose and have a good time. Don’t be afraid to sing along, clap, yell out if you want — just have fun.”
“Everyone there has a camaraderie, they all love Pink Floyd. There is a lot of magic there between the audience and the show itself,” he added.
According to the Laser Spectacular website, the show “carries listeners away on a mind-bending journey driven by cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, hi-def., large screen video projection, and special lighting effects.”
Seating for the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular will be general admission by section. All COVID guidelines will be followed, including social distanced seating.
Tickets are available for purchase at eldomad. com or by calling the box office at 870-444-3007. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office at 101 E. Locust St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.