Riedel’s Digital Party Line Intercom System Makes Broadway Debut in Mary Poppins

Riedel Communications Inc., announced that their Artist digital matrix intercom system and Performer digital party-line system has been installed at the New Amsterdam Theatre to provide an integrated solution of matrix and party-line (PL) communications as well as multi-channel audio feeds for the cast and crew of Mary Poppins, scheduled to open on Broadway in November. The Riedel equipment was supplied and installed by Masque Sound of East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Michael Ward, Masque's Director of Operations commented on the installation, "This is the first time on Broadway for Riedel, but I've used Artist for a couple of years on different shows both as a PL and audio distribution hub. They wanted a programmable type of PL and the flexibility of being able to do things and change things were very attractive to them. I've been happy with Riedel."

The Mary Poppins' communications infrastructure features a central Artist 64 matrix, which comprises the heart of the communications installation. Artist is a powerful matrix platform with up to 1,024 ports for intercom and the distribution of analog and digital audio and TCP/IP data. The system provides 13 control key-panels of Riedel’s Artist 1000 premium series for production areas. The dynamic labeling of the Artist control keys with integrated 8 digit alphanumeric LED display ensure clear overview and excellent readability under all lighting conditions.

In combination with the Performer C3 digital party-line beltpack, Mary Poppins’ intercom system offers a completely integrated solution for the combination of matrix and conventional party-line (PL) applications. Riedel’s C3 beltpacks are connected by daisy-chain over microphone cables, just like their analog counterpart. The connection to the matrix is made by a Performer C44 system interface which supplies the beltpack-lines with voltage and allows for the smooth integration of the party-line system in the matrix environment. Unlike analog party-line systems Riedel’s digital 2-channel beltpack features digital audio quality and allows for flexible and convenient configuration via drag-and-drop in Riedel’s configuration software ‘Director’.

Mary Poppins, a co-production by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, began performances on Saturday, October 14 in preparation for a November 16 opening night. Mary Poppins continues in the second year of a record-breaking run at the Prince Edward Theatre in London.