In the world of theatre, the role of a set designer in Come From Away is crucial to the success of the production. The set designer is responsible for creating the physical environment of the play, helping to transport the audience to the world in which the story unfolds. For the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away, the set design is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a powerful storytelling tool that reinforces the emotional gravity and raw humanity of the events surrounding the 9/11 tragedy.
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This article will explore the work of the set designer in Come From Away, the elements that define the set design, and how it enhances the overall theatrical experience. We will also answer some frequently asked questions to provide additional insight into the process of creating a set for a major Broadway show.
What is Come From Away?
Before diving into the specifics of the set designer in Come From Away, it’s essential to understand the show itself. Come From Away is a musical that tells the true story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, and the role its residents played when 38 planes were forced to land unexpectedly on September 11, 2001, due to the terrorist attacks in the United States.
As planes from around the world were rerouted to Gander, the town’s population swelled overnight from about 10,000 people to over 16,000. The musical explores the challenges, compassion, and humanity displayed by the people of Gander as they hosted thousands of stranded passengers in the wake of one of the most tragic days in modern history.
The set design for Come From Away plays an important role in telling this story, as the production takes place across multiple locations with limited physical changes in scenery. It’s an intricate design that supports the storytelling in both subtle and impactful ways.
The Role of the Set Designer in Come From Away
The role of a set designer in any production is to help establish the setting and atmosphere of the show. They create the physical backdrop that supports the actors’ performances, offering visual cues to the audience about the time, place, and mood of each scene.
For Come From Away, the set designer is particularly important because the show takes place in multiple locations—Gander, the airport, various planes, and a variety of smaller venues. The set designer needs to craft a space that allows for fluid transitions between these locations while remaining cohesive and grounded in the reality of the story.
The set for Come From Away was designed by David Gallo, a renowned set designer known for his work in both Broadway and regional theatre. Gallo’s design is minimalist, yet incredibly effective in creating the world of Come From Away. The design is not only functional but also symbolic, as it conveys the emotional undertones of the story.
Key Elements of the Set Design
In Come From Away, the set design reflects both the simplicity of the story and the complexity of the emotional journey of the characters. Several key elements define the set:
1. Minimalistic Approach
The set design is intentionally sparse. This minimalist style helps keep the focus on the characters and the story, rather than on extravagant visual elements. Instead of elaborate sets for each scene, the production relies on subtle changes in the staging, props, and lighting to evoke different locations and times.
2. Airport Chairs
One of the most iconic elements of the set is the use of airport chairs. The show often takes place in the Gander airport, where the stranded passengers are waiting. The set designers cleverly use rows of simple airport chairs that can be reconfigured to represent different locations or actions, providing a sense of versatility without the need for large props.
3. Turntable Platform
To create the fluidity of multiple locations in a single set, the production uses a turntable platform. The turntable enables quick transitions between settings and locations, from planes to the airport to the town of Gander itself. This rotating platform allows the action to shift seamlessly between different areas without interruption.
4. Multiple Layers
Despite the minimalistic design, the set often incorporates multiple layers of space. Different levels are used to signify various locations—such as the plane cabins or a high vantage point for viewing the town. This layering effect helps convey the passage of time and the shifting focus of the narrative.
5. Symbolic Use of Lights
Lighting is a crucial element in set design, and Come From Away uses it to create atmosphere and to symbolize larger ideas. The lighting often shifts between cool blues to represent the emotional distance of the planes or warm hues to depict the welcoming nature of the Gander community. The lighting design works hand-in-hand with the set to elevate the audience’s experience.
6. Modular Pieces
The set is composed of several modular elements, such as chairs and small props, that can be rearranged to represent different locations. This flexibility is essential in a show like Come From Away, where many scenes take place in different settings. Whether it’s the airport, a hotel room, or a local church, the modular set elements can be quickly adjusted by the actors or stagehands to create the necessary atmosphere.
How the Set Design Enhances the Story
The primary function of the set designer in Come From Away is to help tell the story visually. The set reflects the core themes of the production—community, humanity, and the kindness of strangers—by providing a simple yet effective backdrop for the actors’ performances.
For instance, the minimalist set reflects the humble nature of Gander, a town that, despite its small size, opened its doors to thousands of strangers. The lack of excessive decoration on stage highlights the kindness and selflessness of the townspeople, emphasizing that the real focus of the story is the emotional connection between people.
Furthermore, the use of modular elements and a turntable allows the action to move swiftly between scenes without distraction, mirroring the whirlwind experience the passengers endured during their forced stop in Gander. The design also reflects the isolation and confusion felt by the characters, as they are caught in a moment of global crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does the set design impact the overall experience of Come From Away?
The set design in Come From Away enhances the emotional experience by allowing the audience to focus on the characters and the narrative rather than being distracted by elaborate backdrops. It helps create a sense of fluidity and movement, aligning with the fast-paced, shifting locations of the story.
2. Who designed the set for Come From Away?
The set for Come From Away was designed by David Gallo, a well-established set designer in the world of theatre. His minimalist approach to the design complements the emotional and storytelling elements of the show.
3. What makes the set of Come From Away unique?
The set is unique because it uses minimalist elements such as airport chairs and a turntable platform to seamlessly transition between different locations. The design is not overly complex but is highly effective in supporting the narrative. This simplicity adds to the emotional weight of the story.
4. How does the set designer work with the rest of the production team?
The set designer works closely with the director, lighting designer, costume designer, and other members of the creative team to ensure that the set aligns with the overall vision for the show. The set design must support the emotional tone of the production while also being practical for the actors and stagehands.
5. What role does lighting play in the set design of Come From Away?
Lighting plays a key role in highlighting different aspects of the set and contributing to the emotional atmosphere. The lighting shifts to symbolize the changing moods and settings, from the cold isolation of the planes to the warmth of the Gander community.
Conclusion
The role of the set designer in Come From Away is integral to the success of the production. Through minimalist design elements, modular pieces, and strategic use of lighting, the set enhances the narrative and supports the emotional impact of the story. It helps convey the themes of kindness, community, and resilience, all of which are central to the experience of Come From Away. The simplicity and versatility of the set design allow the production to focus on the heart of the story: the extraordinary actions of ordinary people in times of crisis.
