Big, blockbuster Broadway musicals come with singers, dancers, fabulous costumes … and many trucks. How do those whopping set pieces end up on Carol Morsani stage? The answer is lots of (literal) manpower. We took some after-hours and behind-the-scenes photographs of the “load-in,” which is the usually very quick turn-around time between when the show trucks arrive to when the curtain rises on the opening performance. Here is a look at the shape a Broadway musical is in when it gets to town.
Two trucks arrive at the Straz Center on the first day of load-in for Cinderella.
The view from the back of the trucks in the loading dock, and onto Carol Morsani stage. The loading dock at the Straz Center is truck-level and stage-level. This allows for easier load-in and load-out of shows.
Preparing the stage lights during day one of load-in.
More trucks arrive for day two of load-in for Cinderella.
Looking into the trucks parked in the loading dock.
The horses arrive in one of the trucks on day two of load-in.
Close-up of the horses.
I spy a pumpkin hiding in a pile of props!
Putting set pieces and props together for Cinderella.
More Cinderella stuff off the trucks!
A vegetable cart for the tour of Cinderella.
Set pieces and props for the tour of Cinderella.
A look into the orchestra pit on day two of load-in for Cinderella.
Setting up the scenery for Cinderella on day two of load-in.
