With the goal of offering “the most elegant and intimate nightlife and superstar artist experiences in Las Vegas,” Voltaire at the Venetian’s ambitions went beyond captivating audiences with impressive scenic design on just the stage itself. Instead, a relatively basic Vegas showroom was transformed into a venue like no other. “This was part architecture and part interior design for the space,” says Derek McLane, the theatrical scenic designer who was brought in to create the performance space for resident artists starting with Kylie Minogue and Christina Aguilera. “Michael Gruber, having seen my design of Moulin Rouge on Broadway, asked me to do this project. Moulin Rouge was designed so immersively; I not only designed the scenery on stage, which is pretty extensive, but also every square inch of the auditorium. That idea excited Michael, to bring that type of immersive design into this space.” Lightswitch Lighting Designer, John Featherstone handled the lighting duties, working closely with McLane on the encompassing design throughout this stunning new space.
From “Venue Design” by Michael S. Eddy, PLSN, March 2024, page 22
