The 2014 Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremony

Never before has theatrical innovation been presented on such a grand scale as was displayed by Russia at the opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.  Determined to put forth a positive and triumphant image in the eyes of the world, Russia spared no expense, spending an unfathomable estimated 50 million dollars on the show.

The opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics is the most
expensive opening ceremony to date, at approx. $50 million. / Via: CNN.com

From 215-ft. horses of light pulling a sun across the sky to an elaborate and massive artistic reconstruction of St. Basil's Cathedral complete with swiveling, air-borne turrets, the ceremony was the most elaborate and expensive opening ceremony to date.  

Perhaps the most innovative and astounding aspect of the production was the stage floor.  132 projectors and 2,640,000 lumens were utilized to transform the floor of Fisht stadium into a tempestuous sea for Peter the Great to sail, a star-filled sky through which a small child could soar and even an entire drawing of the city of St. Petersburg for the cast to march through.  

The floor of Fisht stadium was transformed as part of perhaps the
most astounding technical theatrical production to date./VIA: CNN.com

Despite the political controversy surrounding the games, viewers cannot deny that Russia certainly knows how to put on a show.