Saturday Night Fever

Working with director and choreographer Brett Smock on the world premiere of Saturday Night Fever's New North American production, I established a boldly theatrical space defined by an elegant simplicity that distinctly departed from the infamous film.

The set was meticulously designed to immerse audiences in Tony Manero's world, drawing inspiration from the striking forms of the Verrazzano, Brooklyn, and George Washington Bridges. Each element, from the suspension cables to the lighting, added unique details that enriched the visual experience. The unit set included multiple platforms and stairs, facilitating seamless transitions between pivotal locations such as Tony's bedroom, the diner, and the heights of the Verrazzano Bridge. For the dynamic dance club scenes in 2001, I strategically lowered multiple mirror balls through the trussing to create a stunning, dazzling club-like effect.

Additionally, I integrated sliders and a header downstage of the impressive unit set, which featured stylized bridge cables interwoven with photos from the 1970s. These movable elements allowed us to create a more intimate atmosphere for pivotal scenes in the dance studio, paint store, and around the dining table. Notably, we could lower the header to the floor, drawing dramatic attention to the top of the Verrazzano Bridge, much like a close-up shot that omits the bridge's base.

Please enjoy the stunning hand-sketched and painted scenes depicting various locations and photographs, which showcase the masterful lighting and costumes and bring the world of Staten Island in the 1970s to life.

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