| re: On the Twentieth Century detail request |
| Posted by: pecansforall 12:47 pm EDT 07/14/23 |
| In reply to: On the Twentieth Century detail request - peter3053 09:17 pm EDT 07/13/23 |
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I've been obsessed with Robin Wagner's flawless set for ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY for most of my life (his original designs for DREAMGIRLS as well). Keep in mind that this show was on Broadway at a time before there was computerized automation for the scenery. Everything was moved manually by skilled stagehands. I've read many accounts of the "She's A Nut" scenic moves and I can only imagine how magical and jaw-dropping it was.
In Paul Gemignani's recent biography there is a discussion of the huge set piece representing a side view of the train that was featured in the "She's A Nut" number (image of the set model linked below). At the first preview in Boston the wheels on the train were actually in motion dramatically and there was smoke coming out of the train. Unfortunately after that first preview the motors that made the wheels spin proved inadequate for the task and they burnt out and were never replaced. That first preview audience was the one and only audience to ever see those wheels in motion.
It's mind blowing to think that the original production was produced at a little over $1 million. It was one of the most expensive shows at the time.
David Rockwell's set design for the 2015 revival was a bit underwhelming. To me it seemed like a hodge-podge of art deco without the smooth continuity of Wagner's original design and color palette. |
| Link |
Robin Wagner's set rendering for the train |
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On the Twentieth Century detail request - peter3053 09:17 pm EDT 07/13/23 |
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