In practical terms, that means iPad-controlled seating charts, web-based guest lists and look-books delivered almost instantaneously after each show.

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Hawking is one of the few scientists known to a wide audience outside academia thanks to his best-selling books, a guest spot on "The Simpsons" and an ability to clearly explain the complexities of theoretical physics.

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The opera diva Bianca Castafiore, a coiffed and generously bosomed regular feature of the books, makes a guest appearance and warbles Rossini, shattering every wineglass, fish tank, and chandelier in sight which is special fun in 3-D.

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