I know this reply comes very late to the party, but I am directing this production now, and I have found some very viable solutions:
1. Cold Spark Fountains as Fireworks
These are the things you see onstage at concerts, behind the singers/band etc., and at sporting events when athletes make their entrance. These are not the cheapest to rent, but they are safe and give a wonderfully rich effect on stage! They will not burn your set/curtains and will not interfere with electrics as they run below 45 degrees in temperature. They work by forcing aluminum powder pellets out of a container, and the friction creates a spark. The only drawback is that they resemble sparklers in shape rather than fireworks because the fountain is shooting upwards. Sparctic,indoor cold spark fountain,cold pyro fireworks machine
2. Chemical Flames for colored fire
For Paul's "Red Fire", we will either be using strontium chloride wax patty or red sparklers. They both give off a red flame because of the chemical compound. Tossing the strontium chloride powder into a flame gives a brilliant red color, but it will not last long. To create a longer lasting, fully red flame, we will create a wax patty by pouring the chemical powder into a dixie cup and covering it with melted wax, stirring the mixture, letting it cool completely, and then removing the cup. If we want a more dynamic look, we may consider using a red sparkler held in place with non-flammable putty or even malleable wax so it stands upright.
Colored Fire Flames
3. Confetti Cannons
As others have said, these can give an awesome effect, especially when lit properly, and if you are able to get the metallic confetti, it works even better.
4. Fog Machines as smoke from setting off fireworks
We plan to pump a fog machine prior to Paul's entrance in Act I after the explosion which prompts the line about the balloon being too close to the flame. (sic) When he opens the cellar door, the smoke will pour out onto the stage and reinforce the look of the explosion below.
Hope this helps!
Best of Luck.
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Tonilyn Jackson
Carnegie PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-21-2014 22:15
From: Georgann Lanich
Subject: Fireworks effects you can't take it with you
We did this last year. For the red glow, we had Paul bring the "firework" up from the basement in a metal can. They gathered around it to see what it was and when Depinna turns the lights out, we had a headlamp in the bottom of the bowl that had a red light on it. They faked striking a match and hit the button and....the red glow reflected off the metal container and their faces perfectly. It was all held so that the audience could not see the headlamp in the bottom. When lights went down, they covered the lamp until it got off stage because it would go to a full white light on the next setting and that had to be handled backstage. I hope that makes sense, if not, feel free to send me a note. What a fun show to do!
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Georgann Lanich
Teacher
Tallulah Falls School
Lakemont GA
Original Message:
Sent: 12-18-2014 10:46
From: Lori Duncan
Subject: Fireworks effects you can't take it with you
Hi all,
I'm looking for ways to create the firework effects needed for you can't take it with you. Specifically the red glow Paul shows Alice and the big fireworks at the end if act 2. The show is traveling so lighting options will be limited. Need a clean simple solution.
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Lori Duncan
Drama Teacher
Bay City MI
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