Act 1 Set Design and Research
Q: What was your inspiration and what kind of research went into your design?
I did lots and lots of period kitchen research. We wanted the 3 kitchens to feel very distinct for each couple.
So we played with the time period of the sets to help push the distinctions further. The play is set in the 70’s- but that meant we could pull from the 70’s and any period earlier. Act One was 50’s inspired. Act Two, we wanted to put smack in the 70’s, then Act Three the kitchen was more turn of the century- restored old house feel.
Q: What are the challenges of designing a show like this?
Ayckbourn’s plays are definitely a challenge. He writes very specific scenic and prop jokes into all of his scripts. (I have designed 2 of his other shows) This one is chocked full of those type of challenges along with needing to be 3 complete kitchens!
So, the challenges are meeting the demands of the script while meeting the time and budgetary constraints of the theater.
Act 2 Set Design and Research
Q: How does your design enhance the comedy of the piece?
I wanted the sets to be whimsical and a little “Absurd”. I think the set definitely sets the tone for the world, wrapping the stage with laughing Santas and tying a big red bow around it.
Q: The costume and set design seemed very cohesive. What was the design
process like and how did you work with the other designers and the
director on this show?
Jesse and I had lots of early conversations about the 3 acts and how to differentiate them. Sara Tosetti, our costume designer, had the fun idea to loosely match the couples to their kitchens. So we had lots of conversations about color and pattern. One of our favorite things about 70’s design was the strong patterns- which were a big influence in the scenery.
Act 3 Set Design and Research