A Beautiful Composition!

When a lighting or sound designer is figuring out how best to use light and produce sound for a live theater production, its all about balance.

Each show is obviously unique but becomes even more so with the Director's wishes, the set design, the size and depth of the stage . . . all those become part of a very complicated equation.  And . .  with the right team, can be a beautiful composition presented to an appreciative audience and makes a sponsor very happy.

Steel Magnolias is one of those beautiful compositions.  The set, designed by Joe Keach-Longo (who also happens to be the Director), is a perfect reflection of what Truvy's Beauty Salon would have looked light, right down to the real garage door and fully-usable sink.

Working with his production staff, he will talk with lighting designer Meg Ryan and sound designer Ron Schallack about the mood, the emotion, the need for certain sounds that cause the actors to react... even the music played for the patrons before the show begins creates a mood and setting for the 2 hour production.  The props, costumes, hairstyles . .  all figure in to the total package.

And . .  ordering a red-velvet cookie for the concession helps to create a real Southern atmosphere!

If you think you know the show because you saw the movie, you will be pleasantly surprised at how different it is -- and better!

The remaining shows are: April 17, 18, 19 (not Easter) and 24, 25, 26, 27.  Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Door open one hour prior to curtain, all seats are first come, first served.  $24 VIP, $19 general.  The show is sponsored by United Bank, the season is sponsored by Pratt & Whitney with support from the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

860-647-9824, Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT