Monty Python's Musical Spoof Spamalot is a Smashing Success
Monty Python’s Spamalot, a new musical spin-off from the motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, made its pre-broadway debut on December 21st at the Shubert Theatre in Chicago. Chicago Scenic Studios was thrilled to be a part of this hilarious engagement of an all-star cast directed by Mike Nichols.

Chicago Scenic was called on by Production Coordinator Gene O’Donavon to construct a few key scenic elements. One such piece was the infamous Trojan rabbit. The rabbit stands over 12’ tall and was composed of a steel sub-structure with applied planks coated with a heavy texture to simulate wood timbers. Another scenic element was a large flying castle, with painted and carved architectural detail and an abundance of various lighting effects. Additional elements include deck tree wagons, the killer rabbit mound and a painted scrim.

CSSI Senior Project Manager Ross Hamilton and Project Manager Rick Boltinghouse supervised the project with support from an experienced crew. Kevin Taylor served as Paint Lead, Dave Duwell as Carpentry Lead, Dave Kaina as Metals Lead and the job was drafted by Gabe Segoviano.

The Music Center at Strathmore Celebrates its Inauguration
Chicago Scenic Studios recently completed the fabrication and installation of an impressive riser system for the newly constructed Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD. The new 1,976 seat concert hall and education center offers world class music in a state-of–the-art facility.

The riser system, designed by Kirkegaard and Associates, was custom built to accommodate 80 musicians. CSSI Senior Project Manager Ross Hamilton explains, “The shape of the risers were designed and built with functionality in mind. The entire piece is capable of rolling into itself, onto an elevator, and dropping into a storage facility within a matter of a few hours with a small crew”.

The risers sit at an impressive 60’ across and over 12’ deep in the center. The risers are composed of an aluminum and steel framework, plywood and honeycomb for floor support, and are finished with northern hardwood maple. Hamilton worked with Connie Walker and Carl Giegold of Kirkegaard to complete this project on-time and on budget. Chicago Scenic also brought a great crew together to work on this project. Luis Salces served as Carpentry Lead, Beth Smith as Metals Lead and Gabe Segoviano served as Lead Draftsperson.

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