Laser Show Dazzles Students, Adults Alike

By Larissa Lytwyn

Hawley students and teachers alike had a new outlook on “light” recently during a visit from Gary Prince, northeastern regional manager of Prismatic Magic.

Based in Wayne, N.J., Prismatic Magic is a family-owned and -operated business bringing laser-charged “concert theater” to schools, colleges, and other venues up and down the Mid-Atlantic Coast.

Mr Prince, who has a background in computer technology, said virtually all the “laserists” have had vocational experience in science and engineering.

In the beginning of the show, Mr Prince taught students the basic scientific principles behind laser technology. Using a flashlight to demonstrate, Mr Prince explained, “Ordinary light enlarges and fades as you move further away.”

A laser beam, however, produces a tiny, intensely sharp orb of light that maintains its sharpness no matter how it is directed. A fog maker revealed the line of beam shooting from the laser head.

“Lasers have three primary colors: red, green, and blue,” he said.

Though conceptually similar to an artists’ palette, merging red and green laser light makes yellow while red, green, and blue laser light produces a shocking hue of white.

Using white and black balloons, Mr Prince also explained how white can be used as a reflective force while black, “the absence of light,” can function as a color absorber by moving each in front of a green laser beam.

The white balloon turned gleaming chartreuse while the black balloon blocked the laser’s light stream.

“Now, when a laser beam moves quickly, you can appear to shape it into a straight line or circle,” said Mr Prince, “and when you move it even more quickly, you can form what looks like pictures!”

With primary concept of what he termed “magic science” in place, Mr Prince discussed the importance of laser safety.

“The laser beam is very, very powerful,” Mr Prince told the Hawley students. “You must never shoot a laser beam directly into a person’s face or eye, because it can cause permanent damage to a part of the eye called the retina.”

Several feet of space surrounding the laser equipment was blocked off from students using yellow caution tape.

Having explained the science behind the “magic,” Mr Prince moved from the role of teacher to rollicking MC as he told the students, “Are you ready for a great show? Are you ready for some great music? Come on and get ready for some science magic fun!”

What can only be described as a laser “extravaganza” followed for the next 45 minutes.

Students and teachers alike appeared spellbound by a series of minimusicals featuring a variety of familiar children’s characters, including Donkey, Shrek, and Princess Fiona from Shrek, Woody and Buzz from Toy Story and Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang from Jim Hensen’s Muppets.

Another montage, “American Pride,” paraded a series of patriotic images, including the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore, to the sounds of “America the Beautiful.”

There was also an educational segment on the history of space featuring a clip of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, stating his famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Another segment featured a variety of jungle creatures, including gorillas, lions and tropical birds, to the music of the Tokens’ “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”

Also notable was a self-esteem boosting laser minishow based on the Smash Mouth hit, “All Star.”

After the show, many students were still alight with excitement.

“I really loved just about every single show!” declared second grader Abbi Winter.

Her classmate Brandon McIntyre said that the Shrek segment was his favorite.

“I really love everything Shrek [related],” he said, adding that he owned both Shrek films as well as plenty of Shrek-related memorabilia and action figures.

The Hawley PTA Cultural Arts committee sponsored the event.

At the very beginning of the show, Mr Prince told the students to make sure to “thank their parents” and the PTA for making a visit by organizations like Prismatic Magic possible.

Prismatic Magic produces a variety of show themes, including a Black History Laser Tribute, Halloween Spooktacular, Winter Holiday Celebration, and Science Laser Spectacular.

For more information about Prismatic Magic, visit www.prismaticmagic.com.