The $14 million production features costumes by Jeremy Scott and a BMX act
Berlin’s Friedrichstadt-Palast theater is preparing to unveil its latest “grand show,” Blinded by Delight, with previews beginning September 24. With a budget of $14 million, more than 100 performers, 500 costumes by Jeremy Scott, 11 choreographers, eight composers and songwriters, and — for the first time — a BMX and halfpipe act, the production more than lives up to its name.
The theater, home to one of the world’s largest stages, will feature a full ramp course for six riders. Above them, Argentinian acrobats Flora Aracama and Nico Busso will deliver an aerial performance of strength and emotion on the rings.
Described as part Moulin Rouge, part Cirque du Soleil, part rock concert, Blinded by Delight is billed as “a reminder of happiness that overwhelms all the senses.”
Costume design comes courtesy of Jeremy Scott, known for turning fashion into theatrical spectacle. Drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood, Busby Berkeley musicals, and his own archive, Scott follows in the footsteps of Jean Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler, and Christian Lacroix, all of whom have previously designed for Friedrichstadt-Palast. “I feel very confident in that and hopefully that will also please and delight the audience,” Scott said.
