Shadows of Success

I have been rehearsing for Sweet Smell of Success here at UCI now for 3 weeks. The world we are creating is all about light and dark. Set in 1952 New York, characters continually step in and out of the shadows. We are constantly asked by our director if we are in the light or in the shadows, if we want to be seen or if we want to be hidden. The show itself is very dark and the majority of the show happens between 6pm and 6am. As a cast we watched the original movie that inspired the musical. It is shot as a throwback to the Film Noir style that is known for playing with light and dark. In the movie, character's faces were often obscured with shadows casted by glasses, hats and coats. It creates an air of mystery to have characters lurking in the shadows upstage of the action, behind pillars and under hats and coat collars. Our very own Darrin will be lighting the show and I am beyond excited to see how it will look!