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Stage manager Walter Shaner and technical director Ed White originally helped to design many of the exclusive features of the Stardust stage, and they still maintain complete backstage control over all performances. Six giant hydraulic elevators can be controlled individually or collectively to provide almost any effect desired. One portion of the stage can be electrically parted to expose a full-sized swimming pool. Or, as in the new edition of the Lido, both the pool and the sleek ice skating rink will suddenly rise up for audience appreciation. In order to show off to best advantage the stageful of beautiful girls, White constructed his own huge lighting control console, which literally allows him to paint a portrait of light across the entire stage. The amazing array of colored lights allows the "artist" to change the entire mood of a lavish production number simply by pushing a single button. White also pioneered the use of cordless microphones, which are attached to the performers' bodies. Each unit is equipped with its own tiny FM transmitter to provide easy listening for the audience. Throughout every performance, the highly skilled band of stagehands silently and efficiently move Paul Bunyan sized pieces of scenery to and from exact positions onstage. -33-