Rediscovering Wonder: The Power of Set Design in Live Theatre

When you see a play, how much focus do you give to the set design and production?

I thought about this recently when I had the opportunity to see the play Stranger Things, The First Shadow on Broadway (https://broadway.strangerthingsonstage.com). I am a fan of the Netflix series (https://www.netflix.com/title/80057281) so it was inevitable that I would see the play. I have to tell you that I knew nothing about the storyline for this production - I chose not to investigate so that I would have zero expectations (I tend to do that so that I'm not biased). To help avoid putting you in an awkward position, I won't offer any spoilers (you're safe!), but, beware, I am about to share my thoughts about the production (so if you'd rather be free of any hint of any perspective, stop reading).

Okay, I'm giving you another chance....stop reading.

Now, on to the Production!

In simple terms, FANTASTIC! Even though certain elements of the scenery are visible throughout the show, it turns out that they were beautifully camouflaged as to their real purpose. In addition, as the story played out on stage I continued to be captured by the imaginative backdrops and special effects (they aren't just for big screen extravaganzas anymore!). I have seen many musicals and dramatic plays in small local theaters and on Broadway - there is something special about productions that sweep me into the experience and Stranger Things is now in the top of my list!

To help illustrate, I saw the Phantom Of The Opera in London's West End (I was there studying Art Crime) and Les Miserable on Broadway (because I heard it was a must-see, so I got a bus ticket and off I went). I have to say that between the chandelier and the boat scenes in Phantom and the sewer scenes in Les Miz, I was captivated and transported. At the other end of the spectrum, I saw an off-off Broadway production of Hamlet that may have put the word "minimal" in "minimalist." The production relied almost exclusively on lighting, a few sticks of grey unupholstered high-backed chairs, and costumes that were nothing but full-body dark grey leotards. I was similarly captivated and transported by the entire experience because in that case, it was all about Shakespeare's prose. Across the board I find that after every theatre experience, my imagination is revived.

If you ever have the chance to see live productions, I encourage you to do it - appreciate the total experience that the production team has created so that you can be immersed, and your imagination and creativity awakened!