Otterbein University - Directed by Melissa Lusher
Choreography by Stella Hyatt Kane - Music Direction by Lori-Kay Harvey
Costumes by Mary Max Cottman - Lighting Design by TJ Gerckens
About the Design
Dave Malloy’s musical of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 was one of the more difficult productions I've approached. I just couldn’t visualize it as easily as other musicals I've designed, and, probably due to the operatic nature, there were times I didn't even know if I knew what was taking place on stage. Through several readings, and in conversations with director Melissa Lusher and Choreographer Stella Hyatt-Kane, I was able to finally develop some ideas for how we would stage this production.
It started with research imagery that was heavily based in the way the music made me feel as well as the action taking place on stage. This musical is Shakespearean in the way the audience can visualize the scenes in their own imagination. I focussed my initial sketches on thinking about the movement of the actors in the space as well as the positioning of the orchestra (which we knew would be on stage). I wanted the actors to move around the band and there to be level changes to the set. I also kept feeling this game of cat and mouse with the characters which led me to use the set to be a barrier between actors as they moved on stage.
As the set developed I felt it was important to use scenic elements to sculpt the space, and I worked closely with our lighting designer, TJ Gerckens, to create a space that could fade to black or pop out as needed. The centerpiece was a 10 foot diameter set piece of draped fabrics that was suspended above the center of the stage. This was part of the representation of the comet that was needed for the finale. I was so proud of the collaboration of departments in our creative team and how we all worked together to create an occasion in the theatre that was exciting for our audiences.
(All photos by me unless indicated)