Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s “Cymbeline” and “Passion” sets exude understated elegance
Chicago Scenic’s relationship with the Chicago Shakespeare Theater continues to grow with the construction of its two most recent productions, “Cymbeline” and “Passion.”

The set for “Cymbeline,” which was designed by Michael Philippi, was an-all black set with subtle personality characteristics, including a raked and stepped deck. CSSI applied a vertical vacuform “tree-bark” texture horizontally to the flats, giving the surface a unique and abstract look.

Chicago Scenic also engineered an eight-foot-square elevator into the deck. The deck was engineered to drop down, and in an especially dramatic scene, lowers ten feet and rises again, carrying a bed with the character Imogen on it.
“Passion,” a musical by Stephen Sondheim, recently played in the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s small Upstairs space. Eugene Lee’s set design starts out sparse, but comes alive as the play progresses.

Chicago Scenic extended and transformed the theater’s existing audience balcony into part of the show. Originally wrapping three-fourths of the way around the room, Chicago Scenic expanded the balcony to wrap entirely around the space with minimal structural support. Both the existing and new balcony railings were enhanced with the addition of decorative wood details finished to look like bronze. Four supporting columns and strategically placed I-beams support the new balcony, creating additional areas underneath to allow room for large set pieces to maneuver. CSSI also added a stair unit to allow the actors to reach the new balcony area.

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