75 Years Of Hits – From South Pacific to Book Of Mormon
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ: Celebrating its 75th anniversary with a client roster that includes: Jersey Boys, Billy Elliott, Mary Poppins, Memphis and, The Book of Mormon, Masque Sound, has been a fixture on The Great White Way since 1936 when three stagehands pooled their resources to create a new firm. An immediate success, Masque has provided flawless audio for the original Broadway productions of Oklahoma, South Pacific, Grease, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, Mama Mia, Lion King and countless others.
Under the guidance of 3rd generation-owner Geoff Shearing, this leading sound reinforcement, design and installation company has steadily expanded the size and scope of its services. Their 2004 move to a 70,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters in East Rutherford, NJ was preceded by the 2002 purchase of Professional Wireless Systems. Florida-based leaders
in the development and implementation of wireless technology, PWS counts over a dozen Super Bowl broadcasts to their credit, along with assignments for the NHL, wireless upgrades for NBC TV and many other complex broadcast, entertainment, corporate and government projects.
In 2007, Masque Sound added a highly successful permanent systems installation division to their growing services. Projects include Le Poisson Rouge, the celebrated Greenwich Village club whose eclectic on-stage talent, extraordinary acoustics and state-of-the art sound system, draws music fans from around the world; as well as NYU’s James L. Dolan Recording/Teaching facility. Masque Sound has also installed the complex systems for NY’s new DiMenna Center for Classical Music; the sound system renovation for the classic New Victory Theater on West 42nd St.; and the critical acoustic sound system upgrade for NY’s historic St. Bartholomew’s Church on Park Ave.
In celebration of their Diamond Anniversary, company General Manager, Stephanie Hansen reached out to legendary graphic designer Milton Glaser for an update to the firm’s graphic image. “I’ve been a fan of Milton’s for a long time, and recently saw a documentary on his work,� Ms. Hansen remarked. “We were thrilled when he agreed to marry his talents with our existing brand.�
“A 75th Anniversary is a significant milestone,� remarks company principal Geoff Shearing. “We are grateful to our many long-term clients, and to a dedicated in-house team, some of whom have been with us over twenty years. My father remains active, and enthusiastically monitors our on-going success from his New Hampshire home, just as my grandfather took great pride in dad’s nurturing of our legacy.
“I grew up watching them make decisions about what new technology to invest in, and how to grow the business in the most logical way,� Shearing adds. “Their most important lesson was that customer service is the basis for all success. Our concerns for solving client technical challenges in the most creative, efficient and cost-effective way has continued to be a key element in our on-going success.
“We are privileged to work on blue ribbon projects that run the gamut from hit Broadway shows to network TV and world-class corporate events,� Shearing concludes. “I look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2036!�
Photo: Masque Sound General Manager Stephanie Hansen and company principal
Geoff Shearing.
###
A leading theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design company, Masque Sound specializes in live concert, TV Broadcast, corporate, industrial, theatrical, and sports events. Credits range from such Broadway hits as Billy Elliott, Jersey Boys, Lion King and Book of Mormon, to yearly Super Bowl broadcasts. Formed in 1936 by three Broadway stagehands, the firm’s 3rd generation owner Geoff Shearing also operates Florida-based Professional Wireless Systems, a leader in the development and implementation of wireless technology. The company’s 70,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters and main assembly facility is located at 21 East Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ, twenty minutes from mid-town Manhattan. (201) 939 8666, www.MasqueSound.com
