It’s Tuesday evening and I’m still thinking about something unusual I did this past Sunday. A friend and I attended a showing of James Hood’s Beautifica in the planetarium at Pierce College (see screen capture). We got the tickets a few weeks ago. While it’s a bit of a drive from Bremerton to the Science Dome in Lakewood, the reward far outweighed the effort.
James Hood is a visionary award-winning composer. Beautifica is his creation, although some talented animators created the visuals that accompany the show’s musical score. Beautifica’s advertising calls them “immersive” animators. That’s what happens as you watch. You sit back in a seat that’s so comfortable you wish you could take it home with you and in seconds are totally immersed in the show.
Here’s the best way I can describe Beautifica—it’s like being inside a 3D kaleidoscope with music. But even that doesn’t do justice to the star bursts, tree scenes, solar systems, night skies (bother real and imaginary), and other continuously changing visuals that are projected onto the planetarium’s domed ceiling. The effect is both relaxing and mind opening at the same time.
Along with the music, there was an occasional voice over. I don’t remember exactly what the narrator said, but I think the gist of it was to see what you want to see in the show and most of all to enjoy life.
Beautifica lasts for 50 minutes. The planetarium seats about 60 making for a cozy intimate shared experience even if the audience starts out as strangers. I would recommend Beautifica for just about everyone: singles, couples, small groups, teens, middle-schoolers, families with young kids, and seniors.
I asked my friend how she found out about the show. It turns out she had seen an advertisement for it on Facebook. I’m not a Facebook person, so I’m glad she was hanging out there when the ad appeared.
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