On Sunday, the Olympic flame will extinguish and we will all say dasvidaniya to Russia – but not before a meticulously planned, highly ambitious closing ceremony.
Only Access Hollywood takes you behind-the-scenes for a little peek at what to expect.
In an interview with Scott Givens, executive producer of the Sochi Olympics closing ceremony, Scott revealed to Access’ Billy Bush that the show will involve 3,000 local children, and nearly 5,000 total performers.
“3,000 [children] and probably the most technically ambitious theatre you’re ever been in,” said Scott, as he gave Billy a tour of the facility.
“We put in an aerial gantry system that lets us carry massive props and scenery,” he added. “They have small trolleys that run back and forth very quickly – we could carry the weight of a 747!”
Russian president Vladimir Putin has visited rehearsals multiple times.
“It’s no surprise, it’s Vlad’s party. He’s been seen at several events,” Scott said.
Rehearsals began more than two months ago, on December 15, with 17 different nations working together from all over the world. There will be many surprises, thanks to 50 trapdoors on the field.
More than 10,000 costumes have been made, and hair and makeup will need to be done on 5,000 people.
“We’ve trained about a 100 volunteers, we’ve got pros to train them,” Scott said, adding that there will be 100 people in the control room on the technical side and 220 broadcast cameras.
As for the cost, the show’s bill will be roughly 2.5 times what the London Olympics closing ceremony cost, according to Scott.
The London show reportedly cost 20 million pounds (roughly $33 million), which would mean Sochi’s big bash will tip the scale at around $80 million.
The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics closing ceremony will air Sunday on NBC.
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