BEST OF THE DECADE: Favorite Projection Designs

BE SURE TO CAST YOUR 2020 (MIGHT HAVE BEEN) TONY AWARDS BALLOT!

<<<<<< CLICK THE BOX IN THE LEFT COLUMN. BALLOT CLOSES ON 7/3!

One of the many benefits of being fortunate enough to see so much theater is exposure to incredible works of theatrical design art. Having to create a new world in a confined space that must function exactly the same way eight times a week doesn't limit designers. It enables them to tap their boundless imaginations and creativity. We are constantly amazed and humbled by their genius.

While we could name pretty much every show we saw as outstanding in one or more of the design disciplines, the ones we did choose are, in our opinion, the cream of the crop of the past 10 seasons. The "Gold Standard" of design, if you will. Today, we will offer up our favorite projection designs.

BEST OF THE DECADE:

Jeff and Mike's Favorite

Projection Designs

FAVORITE PROJECTION DESIGNS OF A PLAY:

Brief Encounter - Designed by Gemma Carrington and Jon Driscoll

Not only were their enormous images impressive, they way they were used to interact with the actors was astonishing.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Designed by Finn Ross

Ross' innovative projections and videos allowed us to be inside young Christoper's mind, adding layers of understanding and empathy to the experience.

The Normal Heart - Designed by Batwin & Robin Productions, Inc.

These sobering projections not only brought the period to life, but the names made a humbling reminder of the human tragedy that happens when silence, fear and politics are the rule of the day.

FAVORITE PROJECTION DESIGNS OF A MUSICAL:

American Psycho - Designed by Finn Ross

These projections/videos advanced this theatrical element to exciting new heights. They were practically a character unto themselves.

Bonnie and Hyde - Designed by Aaron Rhyne

Though short-lived, this musical's images provided a stark reminder of history. At the end when the mug shots and "last known photos" of the main characters was a shocking reminder that the were very real people.

Ghost: The Musical - Designed by Jon Driscoll

Though the opening admittedly made me dizzy, the projections and videos enhanced the other-worldly moments of this musical.

King Kong - Designed by Peter England and Artists in Motion

Not only was the whole show, uh, Kong sized, the enormous projections were the most massive to date. And they were beautiful. Sometimes, bigger is better.

West Side Story - Designed by Luke Halls

The new Gold Standard. The video enhanced the grit and modern bent of this production of this timeless classic. And can we talk about the clarity and sheer size of it all? Wow.

#2353