When we think about Broadway shows, our minds often jump to the actors, the singers, and the musicians that bring the performance to life. However, there’s one role that’s often overlooked but absolutely crucial to the success of any production — the set designer. In the case of Come From Away, one of the most heartwarming and popular musicals of recent years, the set designer played an essential role in creating the intimate, dynamic world of the show.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the set designer in Come From Away, the artistry behind the scenes, and the role of set design in storytelling. Whether you’re a theater lover, a student of the arts, or just curious about the magic that happens off-stage, this guide will give you a deeper appreciation for what goes into making a show like Come From Away so special.
Introduction to Come From Away
Come From Away is a musical that tells the true story of what happened in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the days following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. After dozens of flights were grounded in Gander due to U.S. airspace being closed, the town’s population nearly doubled overnight. The musical focuses on the generosity of the town’s people and the shared humanity that emerged during a time of chaos and fear.
But how do you bring such a touching, nuanced story to life on stage? The actors, music, and choreography are essential, but none of that would be possible without the right set design. The set designer is responsible for creating the physical environment in which the story unfolds, and in Come From Away, that environment is as much a character as the people themselves.
The Importance of Set Design in Theater
Set design isn’t just about creating a pretty backdrop for the actors to perform in front of — it’s about building a world. Imagine a play or musical as a storybook brought to life. The set designer’s job is to build the pages of that book, constructing a world that the actors can move through and interact with. A good set design enhances the story, helping the audience feel fully immersed in the world of the play. In Come From Away, the set plays a pivotal role in grounding the story and making it feel real and personal.
Who Is the Set Designer of Come From Away?
The set designer responsible for the captivating and effective set of Come From Away is Beowulf Boritt. With a career spanning decades, Boritt has built a reputation for innovative and often minimalist set designs that emphasize storytelling. His work on Come From Away is a testament to his ability to transform a simple stage into a dynamic, multifaceted space that reflects both the physical and emotional landscapes of the story.
The Challenges of Designing for Come From Away
Designing a set for a show like Come From Away comes with its own set of unique challenges. The story takes place in multiple locations — on airplanes, in the town of Gander, and in the homes of the locals. How do you create a set that can shift between these locations smoothly, without the need for elaborate scene changes?
One of the key challenges was ensuring that the set could convey these different environments in a way that felt seamless and fluid. The solution was to focus on minimalism and adaptability, allowing the set to change through the use of simple props and lighting.
Minimalism in Set Design: A Key to the Show’s Success
The set design of Come From Away is intentionally minimalistic. Rather than using elaborate backdrops or complicated structures, the set relies on a few key elements — a set of chairs, tables, and a revolving stage — to create the various locations in the story. This simplicity is a huge part of what makes the show so powerful.
By keeping the set simple, the audience is encouraged to focus on the story and the relationships between the characters. The set becomes a blank canvas that allows the emotions and actions of the actors to shine through.
How Set Design Tells the Story in Come From Away
In Come From Away, the set is used to tell the story in ways that go beyond what’s spoken or sung. The use of space, props, and lighting all work together to create a sense of movement and change, even when the actors stay in one place. For example, the way chairs are arranged can signify whether the characters are in a plane, a school gym, or someone’s living room. It’s a subtle but effective way to guide the audience through the different scenes and locations without distracting from the action on stage.
Use of Props and Furniture
The props in Come From Away are an essential part of the set design. A few chairs, tables, and simple objects are transformed into everything from airplane seats to café tables with just a few quick movements by the actors. This economical use of props helps to reinforce the themes of community and resourcefulness that run throughout the story. It also allows for quick transitions between scenes, keeping the pace of the show brisk and engaging.
Collaboration Between Set Designer and Other Creators
Set design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The set designer works closely with the director, choreographer, lighting designer, and other members of the creative team to ensure that the set complements and enhances every aspect of the production. In Come From Away, this collaboration was key to creating a cohesive, fluid production that never felt bogged down by complicated scene changes or over-the-top design elements.
The use of lighting, for example, is crucial in conveying changes in time and place. Without large set changes, lighting helps signal shifts in mood and location, working hand-in-hand with the set design to tell the story.
Audience Impact: How the Set Design Draws You In
One of the most remarkable aspects of Come From Away is how immersive the experience feels. Even though the set is simple, it pulls the audience into the world of the story, making you feel like you’re right there with the characters. The minimalism of the set allows the audience to focus on the emotions and the humanity of the story, rather than getting distracted by flashy set pieces.
The intimate, almost bare-bones nature of the set also mirrors the small-town setting of Gander, emphasizing the close-knit community and the resourcefulness of its people. This design choice subtly reinforces the themes of the musical, making it an integral part of the overall experience.
What Critics Have Said About the Set Design
Critics have widely praised the set design of Come From Away for its simplicity and effectiveness. Many have noted how the minimal set allows the performances and the story to take center stage, while still providing enough visual interest to keep the audience engaged. The ability to convey multiple locations and moods with just a few simple elements has been hailed as a masterstroke of design.
Comparing the Set Design to Other Broadway Shows
When compared to other Broadway shows, the set of Come From Away stands out for its restraint. Many Broadway productions are known for their elaborate sets, with moving parts, grand backdrops, and intricate designs. In contrast, Come From Away keeps things simple, using just enough to suggest a location without overwhelming the audience.
This approach is quite different from shows like The Phantom of the Opera or Wicked, which are known for their opulent, immersive sets. However, the minimalism of Come From Away fits perfectly with the tone of the show, proving that sometimes less really is more.
Behind-the-Scenes of the Set Creation Process
Creating the set for Come From Away involved more than just building a few chairs and tables. The process was collaborative, with input from the director, lighting designer, and choreographer. The team worked together to create a space that was functional, versatile, and true to the spirit of the story.
Much of the design work involved figuring out how to transition between different locations quickly and smoothly. This meant that every element of the set had to serve multiple purposes — a chair wasn’t just a chair, but also a plane seat, a café stool, or a living room chair, depending on how it was arranged and used by the actors.
The Legacy of Come From Away’s Set Design
The set design of Come From Away has left a lasting impact on Broadway. It has shown that you don’t need a massive, elaborate set to create a powerful, engaging production. By focusing on simplicity and storytelling, the set design has become a model for other productions looking to create immersive worlds without relying on flashy set pieces.
How Set Design Evolved in Different Productions of Come From Away
As Come From Away has been performed in different cities and venues around the world, the set design has evolved to fit the needs of each space. However, the core elements — simplicity, versatility, and functionality — have remained consistent. Whether in a small regional theater or a massive Broadway stage, the set design has proven to be adaptable and effective, allowing the story to shine no matter where it’s performed.
Conclusion: The Unsung Hero of Come From Away
The set designer of Come From Away may not take center stage, but their work is essential to the success of the show. By creating a versatile, minimalistic set that enhances the storytelling without overwhelming it, the set design plays a crucial role in making Come From Away the emotional, engaging experience that it is. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most important work happens behind the scenes, quietly shaping the world of the play and allowing the story to take flight.
FAQs
1. Who is the set designer for Come From Away?
The set designer for Come From Away is Beowulf Boritt, known for his innovative and minimalist designs.
2. What makes the set design of Come From Away unique?
The set design is minimalistic and relies on simple props and versatile elements to create multiple locations, allowing the story and performances to take center stage.
3. How does the set design contribute to the storytelling in Come From Away?
The set design uses simple elements, such as chairs and tables, arranged in different ways to represent various locations. This allows for seamless transitions and helps focus attention on the characters and their emotions.
4. What are some challenges faced by the set designer of Come From Away?
One of the main challenges was creating a set that could represent multiple locations without complicated scene changes, while maintaining the fluidity of the story.
5. How has the set design of Come From Away influenced other productions?
The success of Come From Away’s set design has demonstrated the power of minimalism and storytelling, inspiring other productions to focus on simplicity and function over elaborate designs.
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