approach him to establish a genuine connection — complimenting a little girl ’ s dress , asking someone where they ’ re from , or sharing a quick , heartfelt comment . This fleeting interaction , though lasting only about ten seconds per person , leaves a lasting impression .

This ability to connect isn ’ t just a performance strategy ; it ’ s rooted in Franz ’ s personal experiences . At 14 , he waited for hours outside a stage door , hoping to meet his idol , Doug Henning , only to be disappointed . That moment left an indelible mark . Years later , while working with rock legends like Alice Cooper , Franz learned the

importance of acknowledging every fan . Alice ’ s words resonated deeply : “ Every person that comes up to us , to them , it is most likely one of the big moments of their life . You need to treat it with the same amount of respect and gravity as they do .” Franz carries this lesson with him , ensuring that every fan interaction is meaningful .

The Hong Kong show itself is a testament to Franz ’ s multifaceted talent . Located in a parking lot that once served as a bus terminal for the ferry between Hong Kong and Kowloon , the venue was nothing more than an empty space . Franz ’ s role extended far beyond performing ; he designed the entire theater from scratch . Initially envisioned as a grand dome , the design evolved into multiple domes and eventually a magicthemed park called “ Magic Planet ,” complete with outdoor DJs , bands , and food stalls . However , as budget constraints tightened , the concept was scaled down to a 1,500-seat theater housed in a tent .

Despite the logistical challenges , this setup fostered an unparalleled sense of community . Unlike traditional theaters where performers and crew are scattered in separate dressing rooms and offices , Franz designed the backstage area to be a communal hub . The production offices , dressing rooms , wardrobe , and tech areas are all within 60 feet of each other , creating an environment where communication flows effortlessly and friendships flourish . “ It ’ s like a big campout ,” Franz describes . “ We could set fire to the stage and roast marshmallows .”

Artist ’ s rendition of dome concepts .