Posted: 8/5/19 at 3:24pm
The set design for "Best Little Whore House in Texas" also calls for a bi-level set with parts of the second level seen from below and other parts separate.
Posted: 8/5/19 at 4:26pm
Posted: 8/5/19 at 4:45pm
Act One also had a massive Bi-Level set, great video of Beowulf Boritt talking about it (also features another set designer, but it still shows off Act One's set a lot)
https://youtu.be/tXYX5YXjYaA?t=777
Posted: 8/5/19 at 4:55pm
The musicians for Grand Hotel did occupy the upper level when the show played at the Martin Beck (now Hirschfeld) but they were relocated to the traditional pit when the show relocated to the Gershwin. The tour of the show also had the musicians in the pit. To fill the empty space in the upper level it was re imagined to be an attic of sorts with the gold leaf chairs scattered and dangling about.
Only two short bits of action took place on the upper level. The Baron climbing along the ledge as he was breaking into Grushinskaya's suite and Raffaela sang "What You Need" while lying on the ledge.
Posted: 8/6/19 at 9:46am
DoTheDood said: "Act One also had a massive Bi-Level set, great video ofBeowulf Boritt talking about it (also features another set designer, but it still shows off Act One's set a lot)
https://youtu.be/tXYX5YXjYaA?t=777"
That is massive - did the entire thing revolve?
Posted: 8/6/19 at 9:48am
morosco said: "The musicians for Grand Hotel did occupy the upper level when the show played at the Martin Beck (now Hirschfeld) but they were relocated to the traditional pit when the show relocated to the Gershwin. The tour of the show also had the musicians in the pit. To fill the empty space in the upper level it was re imagined to be an attic of sorts with the gold leaf chairs scattered and dangling about.
Only two short bits of action took place on the upper level. The Baron climbing along the ledge as he was breaking into Grushinskaya's suite and Raffaela sang "What You Need" while lying on the ledge."
It seems like a shame to go through the effort to create such a set and then barely use the second floor.
Posted: 8/6/19 at 10:25am
Lot666 said: "That is massive - did the entire thing revolve?"
I don't know if the video shows that off, but it did. Obviously it got Boritt the Tony because of how intricate it was. Here's another video that shows it in action a little bit more. https://youtu.be/kI4-Gl4sJ1g
Updated On: 8/6/19 at 10:25 AM
Posted: 8/7/19 at 2:18am
The hotel suites in Victor/Victoria were two story. My first Broadway show and was amazed how these massive set pieces glided so quietly, as well as how Toddy’s apartment and Chez Louis tracked on stage.
The three massive girders in Newsies we’re tried-level.
Posted: 8/7/19 at 5:35am
John Napier’s globe set for the original London production of Children of Eden featured two full width catwalks. 
Or the RSC’s Nicholas Nickleby (Napier again). Or Hamilton?
Posted: 8/7/19 at 10:54pm
Posted: 8/7/19 at 11:39pm
I'm no good at downloading photos (maybe Morosco can help) but Peter Larkin's original set for THE RINK had a stunning partial 2-level set torqued into an astonishing version of false perspective.
Clarke Dunham's gorgeous set for GRIND boasted far more than just 2 levels; it contained a veritable rabbit warren of dressing rooms on probably 6 or 7 levels surrounding its Burlesque stage with its fully working fly loft, all placed on a constantly rotating turntable.The show had its critics but man, that set was a thing of beauty!
Posted: 8/8/19 at 9:12am
How can we forget the original setting of SUNSET BOULEVARD? Especially the end of ACT 1, with the party going on below and Norma in her bed upstairs ?
Posted: 8/8/19 at 11:35am
How can we forget the original setting of SUNSET BOULEVARD?
Literally mentioned by the original poster in the first post.
Otherwise, Crazy For You had an impressive 2 level saloon set, with some impressive fight choreo from level to level. Unfortunately I can't find a pic from the original production.
Posted: 8/8/19 at 12:06pm
Posted: 8/14/19 at 9:03am
Mister Matt said: "The original London production of Whistle Down the Wind."
I did not see this show, but knowing the story, I'm struggling to figure out what the second level was used for. Can you please elaborate a bit?
Posted: 8/15/19 at 3:16pm
Newsies---had a three level set
Next to Normal was three level as well if I remember.
Mary Poppins had the entire Banks house on the stage.
Posted: 8/15/19 at 10:07pm
Posted: 8/15/19 at 10:54pm
I can't believe no one has mentioned Caroline, or Change yet!
