Six Flags’ ‘Pop Fusion’ a big-time production

If you’ve ever seen a show at Six Flags Great America, you know what a tight production they put on. You may not know how much work it takes to keep a show like that running.

“Pop Fusion” is the latest show in the Grand Music Hall at Six Flags in Gurnee, featuring top musical hits from the last decade. More than 500 people auditioned for the 10 performing spots.

The actors rehearsed 40 hours a week for four weeks to perfect the show. About 400 different costume items had to be made by hand; the set designed; the lighting and sound configures.

The show drew about 2,000 people the first day.

“The technicians are kind of the unsung heroes of the show,” said entertainment manager Kristopher Jones. “We have six amazing technicians a day — nine people total who work backstage, work the follow spots, work the lights and the sound, and if they do everything correctly, you never know they exist.”

At season’s end the cast and crew will have put on more than 600 shows, four each day. Six Flags shows have produced some great talent. “American Idol” stars Tanisa Wilson, Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini all previously performed at Six Flags locations in the U.S.

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  “Pop Fusion” cast members stretch before the show. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

  Seamstress Joanne Seaman of Park City, Ill., pulls down a dress to work on. About 400 different items had to be made by hand for the Pop Fusion stage show. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

  Pop Fusion cast member Jessica Garrett of Mt. Zion does her hair in the dressing room before the production of Pop Fusion at Six Flags amusement park in Gurnee. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

  Technical supervisor Scott Schroeder of Appleton, Wis., checks out the stage. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

  Josh Franks of Chicago plays the role of a disc jockey during the production of Pop Fusion at Six Flags. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

  Cast members wait to go on during the production of “Pop Fusion” at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. photos by Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.comPop Fusion cast members Jessica Garrett, left, of Mt Zion and Nicole Miceli of Lisle put on makeup before the production of Pop Fusion at Six Flags amusement park in Gurnee.