The Distinctive Baritone wrote.... Sometimes it is a fine line between "prop" and "set piece." I've actually seen the matter discussed at rehearsals--"Should this be handled by the set designer or the props master?" Generally though, stuff that you can sit on, lay on, drive, etc. is a set piece, as are especially large objects that are permanantly fixed to the set (like a table or piano). Smaller objects (especially those that are held by a character) are props. Also, the props master will often handle the set decorations as well (i.e. a vase of flowers on the table).
But these are just general guidelines...also, things like the Audrey II puppett, the chandelier in "Phantom" and the helicopter in "Miss Saigon" would probably go under the "special effects" category and be handled by a seperate person/department entirely.
The blue blanket in the Producers was the first to come to mind The yellow scarf in 42nd Street
Rosencrantz: "Be happy - if you're not even HAPPY what's so good about surviving? We'll be all right. I suppose we just go on."
- from Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
uh, the whole diary thing was added for the movie. That's not in the stage show. Neither is Billy's tap dance, Velma at the trial, and Roxie looking for a job.
Some of you are naming set pieces instead of props.
B and the B - Rose/mirror Wicked- hat aida- necklace
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
To Kill A Mockingbird
A Little Night Music - a letter delivered by hand. Sweeney - Pirelli's purse. Pippin - the knife. Piazza - Clara's hat. and MOST importantly.... Gypsy - eggrolls!
Variations on a Theme blog: http://panekattack.blogspot.com/
"I'm tellin' you, the only times I really feel the presence of God are when I'm having sex and during a great Broadway musical." - Nathan Lane - Jeffrey
Fosco's Certificate from WOMAN IN WHITE, or else the characters wouldn't have a clue where they were going, and his address card, and Laura's portrait.
NOISES OFF- Sardines!
MY FAIR LADY- Henry Higgin's pair of slippers
PASSION- All of the letters they write back and forth
WITCHES OF EASTWICK- The voodoo doll and bowl of cherries
JOSEPH/TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT- the "precious golden cup"
WEST SIDE STORY- the weapons for the rumble, Chino's gun
"I'm tellin' you, the only times I really feel the presence of God are when I'm having sex and during a great Broadway musical." - Nathan Lane - Jeffrey
I wouldn't call these the most important but they're significant.
The Hairspray in Hairspray The numbers around each contestents neck in Spelling Bee The Wheelchair in DRS The blue suede shoes in ASU The rose-B&TB The Princess Phones-Bye Bye Birdie