We were exhorted to remain still while the gondolier's boat was moved, but when the moment came, there was deathly silence on the set.
Incidentally, even gondoliers have their co-operative society.
The gondolier had forgotten his words.
The gondoliers will also sing a song as the gondola returns to the loading area.
Venetian gondoliers have traditionally used punting poles for moving to the shore from their boat.
The show included stage props and even singing gondoliers.
The beautifully lit canals with gondoliers and arched bridges drew widespread publicity and helped sell lots in the development.
Geibikei is a dramatic river gorge which offers rides in traditional flat-bottomed boats, navigated by singing gondoliers.