PopeMass DC... A Showcall Production

Just when some thought recent papal liturgies couldn't get any more spectacular, a Maryland-based event firm has been selected "to produce" B16's 17 April Mass at Washington's Nationals Park...

Showcall, Inc. will provide stage and set design and layout, audio visual production, and overall show direction of the public Mass. Showcall will utilize its unique skill set in producing high-profile, high-threat level events and will coordinate with the Washington Nationals to host the first major event in its new baseball stadium. Showcall will work closely with GEP Washington, the overall DMC firm for the visit.

"We are deeply honored to participate in Pope Benedict's visit and of course, we are delighted that the planning committee has agreed that Showcall's resume of large scale special events and lighting, audio and video equipment inventory are the right fit for executing a Papal celebration of this significance and magnitude." said Ajay R. Patil, co-founder and senior partner of Showcall, Inc.

Showcall Inc. was founded in 2001 by Ajay R. Patil and A. Blayne Candy. Since that time, Showcall has provided turnkey production services on an international basis for Summits, White House Conferences, Fortune 100 companies, associations, and national entertainment.

In other PopeTrip run-up news, the winning designs for the furnishings at the capital liturgy have been unveiled.

The winners (above) are grad students in architecture at the capital's Catholic University of America... which is, of course, running high on the pontiff's schedule.

And to pique Papa Ratzi's well-tuned ear, the cantor who sang then-Bishop Donald Wuerl's 1988 installation in Pittsburgh has been tapped as director of music for the Mass.

Now a DC resident, Tom Stehle starts auditions next month for a 250-voice choir, to be comprised of music ministers from the Washington archdiocese.

While the program is "still being finalized," smart money says "Out of Darkness" would be conspicuous by its absence.

PHOTO: Tony Fiorini/Catholic University of America(2)

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