"A Child's Guide to Heresy" for THE REP 2011

This was a world premiere of an adaptation of a novel of the same name.  The writer did the adaptation.  It is a very interesting story but the play needs more work for the adaptation to succeed like the novel.  It is at times epic in size and story.  These shots are from a dress rehearsal where some of the equipment was in failure.  Any new play is a challenge but a story of this size, proportion, and needs was particularly challenging.  The entire design team did receive a lot of critical praise of which i was very grateful.

"Streets of America" A new musical by Michael Ruppert for the playhouse 2007

This was a world premiere.  The story revolves around 3 brothers and how the vietnam war affects each one.  There were some interesting problems to solve.  Any new production is always a huge endeavor but a new musical adds 25% more work to the mix.  While my basic ideas were rooted and solid i wish i had more technology.   A budget is always a reality and working in university theater has pluses and minuses. Michael was very grateful for the work our team did on this piece and gave him accurate knowledge of what has to change in the piece.

"Tuesdays' with Morrie" for City Theatre 2002

Working on this adaptation of the novel was a good time.  The story is touching and beautiful.  Jeff's adaptation works very well and that is why it is produced all over the country.  We used the tree upstage to tell the season but also as a metaphor for Morrie's life.  It was also fun to light an asymmetrical tree and keep it contained to the tree only.

"Intimate Apparel" for City Theatre 2007

Such a beautiful story of a strong women.  As in most contemporary plays there are multiple locations.  This production is no different.   The size of the entire set was massive but we were able to retain an intimacy for each individual location and keep it working for the story.  There were some really wonderful performances from all the actors.

One World Premiere, a musical,a play with music, and just a play. 2004

A set shot of "Chesapeake" 2004.  I am very proud of this production and I love the play.  The director was Lou Jacob and we had a great time working together on this play.  It was not our first time together so there was a short hand that moved the technical rehearsals along.  David was amazing and worked so hard on such a demanding role.  One of my professors saw the production in previews and gave me a big hug after saying how proud he was and how he was glad to be working in the theater.

"Chesapeake" for City Theatre

"The Last 5 Years" for Jewish Theatre of Pittsburgh" 2004.  I love this little musical.  It was also fun to do because the entire team from musicians to actors to design and director had a great experience.  It is a bittersweet story and Jason Robert Brown wrote such a beautiful interesting musical.

"Mezzulah 1946" for City Theatre 2007 (world premiere).  This was a lot of work.  It was a world premiere and i had just finished one and was going to do another after this opened.  The paintings of whistler were an inspiration from the director.  Tony Ferrieri gave me a lot of open space to light.  Of course we are in many locations but as in most time budgets are always a bit of "fight" for myself.  In the end my thoughts leave me wishing for more.

"Mondo Mangia" for City Theatre 2004.  This production had many successes for the theater.  It was so much fun to work on.  Sadly Jillene, the writer/actress passed away.  I was quite happy and proud to be part of this production.

"A Confluence of Dreaming" for Playhouse Rep. 2010

This was another world premiere.  I really enjoy working with the writer.  The play has opportunities for some fun.  One has individual monologues, fantasy sequences, and just great time of day variations to design.  I was very stressed personally during this production because my brother was terminal.  Fortunately i was working with very supportive colleagues.  We produced a great little production.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" for the Conservatory 2010

An "old fashioned big broadway musical".  The director, Scott Wise, and myself have worked together on many shows.  He always gives me a huge amount of freedom on color, timing, and cueing.  We have a very good working relationship.  There was some very fine talent on stage for a university production.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" for the CLO Cabaret 2011

This is a sweet little piece of entertainment.  The ladies we had were just a joy to work with.  The director and choreographer were very supportive and easy to work with also.  They created the piece so they know it well.  It would be nice to work with them again.  

"Honus and Me" for City Theatre 2005

Originally Eric Simonson was to direct this but for personal reasons he had to  back out.  Lou Jacob came in and had a blast.  Tony gave me the largest set i ever had to light at that time for City Theatre.  This production was running in pittsburgh before the All Star Game that the pirates hosted.   They were a big sponsor on the production.  Once again it is a multi location play.  The primary backdrop was the baseball stadium.  The wall had many tricks which was fun to unveil as the play moves along.  It has a crazy sequence in the second act that the sound designer and i were exhausted writing cues and teching that section. 

"Blackbird" for City Theatre 2009

This is a challenging play for any audience member.  The setting is an industrial break room. Tony's design ended up with the audience facing each other across the stage.  I asked for a lot of fluorescent practicals.  The director, Stuart Carden, loved the idea.  The theater space has a normal fixed grid height of 15'00".  The deck was elevated 3'00".  We dropped the fluorescents to a trim height of 9'00".  They worked great in the end.  The production had very strong direction and very good acting.  In the end even though i was very happy with my work but the essence of the play does not make it a favorite of mine.

"The Missionary Position" for City Theatre 2007

This was a world premiere. Our production was also produced at Merrimack Rep.  This was the 3rd world premiere in less than 4 months.  I was also designing 2 different production of "Contact" the musical during that time period.  I was glad to get to a comedy.  Really funny performances and strong, clear direction of this world premiere.  We were in seven different hotel rooms.  Of course that would cost a tremendous amount and scene changes might last 90 seconds.  Our solution was pick a "hotel chain" and then we would change the painting over the bed and the maid would have a new costume color.