Scenic Design

"Describe a performance that you have seen in which you were moved by a vivid scenic image. What elements of the image make it memorable for you? How did they enhance the meaning of the play (or film) for you? Do you think the image fit the director's interpretation of the play (or film)? How did it help convey the mood?"

This summer I was lucky enough to be able to see "Wicked" on Broadway. Needless to say, it was definitely one of the best shows I have ever seen. The image that sticks out in my mind occurs at the last moment of Act I, when Elphaba is singing "Defying Gravity." She's belting out this emotional song and suddenly she rises into the air, holding her broomstick and flying over the heads of the people below. The actress probably got more than twenty five feet above the stage. It was such a cool special effect, with her enormous black cloak fluttering behind her and the blue and green lights shining on her from all directions. It was absolutely breathtaking, even though I knew it was coming! The action fits the text of the play perfectly. Elphaba is singing about how she's through trying to please everyone else instead of doing what she thinks is right, and that she's going to live by her own rules. When she soars above the other characters, it's a physical representation of how her status has changed and how she has power over them. Then of course there's the more obvious connection between the idea of flying and "defying gravity." The image is so powerful because it leaves the audience in awe of her character, thrilled and excited for her, and terrified at the same time.