Building Dreams: A Conversation with Studio Spack
When tasked with creating the visual world of Gaslight Dreams, set and projection designers Margery and Peter Spack needed to capture both the essence of 1950s Gaslight Square and the magic of a holiday production. We sat down with Peter to learn how they brought this vision to life.
Peter & Margery Spack, Studio Spack
What made designing for Gaslight Dreams unique?
That it's primarily a dance piece. Without spoken word, we are working with only the dance and the music. That leaves more room for interpretation while increasing the need for the design to provide a sense of time and place.
How did you approach creating the world of the Crystal Palace?
We started with what is required for the production. The show takes place in and outside of a jazz club in Gaslight Square. We needed to include a 16-piece big band with a leader and still have space for large dance compositions. We wanted to feature Jazz St. Louis onstage, so we developed the bandstand with chasing lights as a way to showcase the band. The bar on the other side provides balance and a gathering place for dancers.
How did you capture the atmosphere of the era?
There is limited available visual research on Gaslight Square. So while we always had the specific area in mind, we cast a wider net for our visual research. The backdrop features projected imagery that provides mood and a sense of place, sometimes using overscale motifs of the era. We also incorporated red swags and hanging crystals to create that sense of enchantment.
Can you share anything special about the projection design?
For the projection design, we are shooting custom effects in our studio. For example, in the “Sugar Rum Cherry,” number we shot all of the crystal and smoke effects ourselves. We love to create practical effects like these for our designs.
Together with The Muny's T3 program building the physical elements, Studio Spack's designs transform the stage into what Peter describes as "a grand space of enchantment and wonder. A place where your dreams may come true."
