From the desk of the set designer... Happy Holi-divas!

When I began discussions about Holidivas with James, he instinctively knew that he wanted the audience to feel connected to the performers in a way that a standard proscenium style configuration might not emphasize. We had discussed the allure of the British Dance Hall or Operatic Musical Revue stage and how it projected the action of the play directly into the audiences’ laps. In essence, the spectator enjoys an intimate relationship to the performer and, thereby, the thrill of participating in the spectacle.

I had some experience designing cabaret stages with a catwalk that runs down the center of an audience arrayed at cocktail tables with candles. I was very excited about the possibilities of combining this sort of time-worn thrust configuration with the archetypal Diva character and iconic imagery associated with Christmas.

I began researching opera houses and traditional wing-and-drop scenery while trying to settle on an image that I felt would encompass everything I wanted to say about the holidays as they relate to sexy sassy women who can belt out a tune. I kept coming back to this idea of Christmas trees adorned with stars, diamonds and pearls. This led to the incorporation of simple, festive shapes in silver, gold, and jewel-tone colors that reflect the idea of extravagant decadence and female beauty.

The result is more overt and whimsical than anything I have designed to date. The configuration has also worked out particularly well. Apparently, the seating has never been quite arranged in the way we have chosen for this show. It should provide for a unique encounter of audience and actor.

I am looking forward to several memorable and sophisticated evenings listening to lovely ladies sing stellar holiday standards. What a way to get in the spirit. I love my job.

~Scott Osborne
Scenic Designer
www.scottosbornedesign.com