Ready? Get Set!

What a scene it was to be seen at the Global Scenic Services located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. If you’re not familiar with Global Scenic Services, think again. This company is the mastermind of the beautiful settings and backdrops for events such as Maroon 5 concerts, Victoria’s Secret fashion events, TV shows, numerous Broadway productions, retail windows and more. You have probably seen their scene and didn’t even realize it.

Their motto is “All the world’s a stage.” So true. In fact, with a home makeover show, each home and each episode is a stage! That’s why I stopped by their company’s offices and manufacturing space the other day and boy, did I get inspired. The fun started the minute I walked through the door–and not just the prop one in the photo! My host, Matt Maraffi, was so passionate about the work and full of great information. Big thanks to him and everyone there.

I saw the staircase Matthew Broderick learned to slide down for ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’, set pieces for the upcoming Roundabout Theater Company’s production of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Price‘, sets and props for the new ballet ‘Whipped Cream‘ (coming soon to Lincoln Center), and pictures of the set for ‘Rocky’ the musical. (And more!) AMARzing. Can’t show you pics yet–many pieces haven’t been revealed to the public, so it’s still a secret–but they will be featured on my home makeover show this fall. (Of course, you can see them ‘live’ by attending the shows!)

Global Scenic Services is incredible. From metal work to carpentry, to artists to props, to painting to electric and beyond. They do great work. And, just like me, they know that every aspect of the setting helps further the story and contributes to the overall feeling. It’s just like good home design. They work on many little sets that are like rooms without the fourth wall – however, each space is still designed with form and function like any other. And they are masters at understanding the importance of size and scale.

After being immersed in the whimsical sets for Whipped Cream (inspired by a bygone era confectionery, so I felt like a kid in a candy store–literally), and transported to the 1960’s rooftops of New York for The Price, I know I’ve seen a couple of things I can bring to future projects. Global Scenic truly validates how my design philosophy can work in any space – even ones without the 4th wall.