New York-New York, Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil™

Providing architectural lighting design for the renovation of the space formerly housing the New York-New York Theatre, Auerbach Glasow collaborated closely with the Cirque du Soleil creative design team and Marnell Corrao Associates interior designers to completely revamp lighting in the lobby, retail space and bar areas of the audience chamber for this adult-themed show.

Tasked with creating a design to enhance the unusual organic and sensual theme of the lobby space, the firm utilized a unique approach to architectural lighting techniques, with custom glowing “corset” sconces embedded in side walls and overhead pulsing lighting elements providing atmosphere and a sense of mystery in the main lobby. The sconce wall was washed in red light to further accentuate the flesh tones of the fabric. The hidden lounge featured curved red faux neon lining the base of the banquettes and custom three arm wall sconces.

Just off the main lobby, the retail space’s curved low voltage rails add to the texture of the room while providing a highly flexible platform for retail highlighting, while decorative pendants and matching sconces continue the art nouveau theme.

While most of the audience chamber was lit theatrically by the Cirque du Soleil performance lighting team, the rear bar areas of the space and primary stairwells were illuminated by Auerbach Glasow. Concealed low profile LED color change units faded through preset routines to animated recessed sculptural niches behind the bars. Low level dimmable downlights, custom glowing sconces and LED aisle lighting contributed to the furtive atmosphere of the area.

Architect: Marnell Corrao Associates
Size: 68,000 SF
Cost: $27,000,000 (budget)
Completion: 2003