XP Op-Ed

In Vegas, Everything Is Immersive — And That’s a Problem

“Wa gawan?” (“What’s going on?” in Jamaican Patois) Welcome to Hope Road, the new Las Vegas spectacular celebrating the life, legacy and music of Bob Marley. Billed as “an immersive music experience,” the show is a joyous voyage with a loose narrative, excellent reinterpretations of Marley’s hits, impressive acrobatic dance and technology that supports the magic.  An accessible entry point for newcomers and a thoughtful reinterpretation for longtime fans, Hope Road succeeds by balancing the universality of Marley’s music with the specific moments of his life that reinforce his message of “One Love.” But is it actually immersive? “Immersive” on the Marquee Click your heels three times and you’ll find yourself in The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, a “fully immersive 4D experience,” ready to follow Dorothy, Toto and their motley crew, rendered at a staggering 366 feet tall, down the Yellow Brick Road. Leaves swirl aggressively as the tornado drops Dorothy into Oz; butterflies flit through the venue as the Munchkins emerge; apples fall from the ceiling as Dorothy dodges angry trees; and the entire building shakes and quakes — thanks to haptic seating — each time the Wicked Witch appears. The ingress experience alone is exquisitely designed. Ambient...