Q+A and photos: Director and co-creator Anderson Davis talks ‘Baz – Star Crossed Love’ at Palazzo
I am an unabashed fan of Australian director Baz Luhrmann (“Strictly Ballroom,” “Romeo + Juliet,” “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby”), and I loved FOR THE RECORD: BAZ, the musical adaptation of Luhrmann’s aforementioned four films that had an all-too-short run at Light in Mandalay Bay last summer.
BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE celebrated its grand opening one week ago under the direction of co-creator Anderson Davis, and the reimagined BAZ is equal its predecessor in Las Vegas. Ruby Lewis (Daisy) and Constantine Rousouli (The Writer) soared in FOR THE RECORD: BAZ, and the standouts in BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE include Joanna Jones (Daisy), Timyra Joi (Juliet), L.J. Benet (Romeo) and Payson Lewis (The Writer).
However, what is elevated this time around is the incredible staging by Matt Steinbrenner, as captured by contributing photographer Erik Kabik. BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE and Palazzo Theater are a perfect marriage between stage and show, and I can’t wait to see it again.
Well-spoken and thougtful Davis chatted over the phone the afternoon after opening night of BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE:
Congratulations on the grand opening night of BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE at Palazzo Theater. I absolutely loved it – the cast, the theater, everything. I want to see it again. How are you feeling about it the day after?
It is such a relief! The process was intense. It feels like a whirlwind. If you say it’s good, I believe you! I am feeling good. I’m really excited to show it to Las Vegas.
As the director and co-creator of BAZ, what was your focus in the weeks and months working toward opening night?
One of the most exciting aspects was the design of the space at The Palazzo. The theater is tailor made for the show. It’s not your typical theater experience — it is much more integrated and immersive — and much of the credit is due to Matt Steinbrenner, our scenic designer, who wanted the stage to reach out to the audience and create an eclectic experience.
What worked best on opening night?
The cast. I am so proud of the cast. I feel like a proud papa. They worked so hard in all the details, in the weeds, all the details to be right. They’re really asked to do a lot, to do recording-style singing and acting through characters through pop songs. And choreography! I am so, so proud of the cast.
What needs to be improved — I noticed that the microphones were a minor issue, and one of the performers slipped and recovered gracefully?
Yes, the sound is a major, major issue. As a director, my focus is on what to improve. It’s my mission in life to make sure the sound catches up, but I am so proud of the production value.
I think the redesigned Palazzo Theater is stunning and works perfectly as the stage of BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE. How involved were you with the design of the theater?
Very involved. The stage reaches out to the theater seating for the flow of the action and storytelling. It was a challenge to arrange the stages and seating as a hybrid of nightclub and theater, and, again, Matt Steinbrenner is a rock star. Plus, The Venetian and The Palazzo allowed us to design, gut and renovate the stage and seating, which is incredible.
What would you tell people who saw FOR THE RECORD: BAZ at Light — how is your BAZ different?
Obviously the technical upgrades. The staging here is tailor made. At Light, that was us trying to squeeze into a nightclub. For The Palazzo theater, we thought about the visual sight lines, scenic design, video content, mapping on the chandeliers. The design is a huge upgrade. We made a lot of tweaks to the script, too. It’s not often that you get a second chance to upgrade a show.
Is the cast of BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE entirely new?
Close! Only two are returning Briana Cuoco (The Courtesan) and Payson Lewis (The Writer). Our violinist, as well, so three.
This show and theater are a blueprint for the whole company For the Record. For the Record is a nontraditional theater and experience. We really wanted to renovate the theater and reimagine the show.
Why should people see BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE?
There is really nothing else like it in Las Vegas. These are incredible performances with the singers. Cirque du Soleil does an amazing job, but these are not just amazing acts. The performances are really compelling. These famous love stories are turned into a spectacle of incredible performances. BAZ is a journey of star-crossed love.
BAZ — STAR CROSSED LOVE performs Tuesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m. in Palazzo Theater. Tickets start at $59.50 and can be purchased at any box office at The Venetian or The Palazzo, at Palazzo.com and by calling (702) 414-9000 and (866) 641-7469.
