i hated the set for Spring Awakening...it felt like a cheap imitation of 'Rent'. It was void of any mood or emotion. Thank God the lighting was so good.
I just felt like everyone in involved with Spring Awakening thought "wow, we're being so different and edgy," but they did things for no reason. like having them come from "underground" was a stupid choice. It broke the whole idea of the set. Everything else was very functional - chairs, mics, etc - the trap doors just seemed excessive.
How about the new shows like GUYS AND DOLLS ? If the show is not good I guess the set is wonderful!The same with WEST SIDE STORY and MINSKY'S in LA.Please more favorite set designs folks!
I wish they had moved the stage back, instead of thrusting it out a little. The added thrust makes it so the people in the mezz. can't see the orchestra seating at all, therefore limiting our view of the audience interaction in the beginning.
33 Variations looks overwhelming but it's not that in the theater. McLane (who did the sets right?) loves that lacey looking backdrop. He used the same thing in Becky Shaw.