For a few years, I had the great fun of painting theatrical sets with a friend of mine. Each christmas our church would put on this fantastic production, full of music and people and great story-telling, and it needed a set. Walt-The-Genius would build the sets, and my friend Lois and I would paint them. The one above was called "Word on the Street" (if I remember correctly). It told the nativity story from an inner-city point of view.
I don't remember what this show was like. I just know that Walt-The-Genius covered the stage with wood so that we could paint swirls on it (notice in the first pic the stage is covered with hideous purple-y carpet). That background was great fun to paint, all sprayed and loose looking.
This was a cloud that Walt-The-Genius SUSPENDED FROM THE CEILING so that the angels could hang out up there and observe what was going on down on earth. We wrapped it in drapey fabric (sheets, I think) and painted it bluey-purple.
Lois and I also painted sets for the Buell Theater in Cripple Creek. They didn't have a work room, really. Instead we painted in a defunct casino that was next door to the theater. We had to tarp the carpet (it was red, with gold stars all over it), and we ended up washing our brushes and sprayers out in the sink at the bar.
This is me and Lois. Well. It's mostly me and the donkey with just a smidge of Lois. But this EXACTLY depicts what painting with Lois is like. Quirky. Great Fun. Lots to laugh at. And a donkey thrown in for good measure!
(psssst! If you click on the pictures you can see a bigger image)
Oh my word I loved those sets and shows. Thanks for taking me back. Great memories. (I almost had tears.) "Word on the Street" was by far my favorite (set and show). Wanna do it again this year?
ReplyDeleteOkay, I completely agree with AM. So fun to get 'taken back' with those pics. Yup, "Word On the Street" was my fave. A seriously precious season of life. Absolute gift from God. (almost to tears; me too, AM) And the sets were ROCKIN'!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAre you really thinking of directing EID again this year, AM?? Ready to paint, Adina???
I wondered if anyone else would notice that AM PRACTICALLY OFFERED to direct another Christmas show!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the donkey thrown in for good measure between you and Lois. 'Triggers my memory of one fabulous afternoon sitting in an old empty casino watching you two create doors and walls for Dr Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. Crazy, strange, and lovely, all at once.
ReplyDeleteKelley, I remember being particularly honored that you came to hang out for a bit! Life is full of so many delightful moments.
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