There's No Bayville in Texas
A new play with text and lyrics by Laura Henry and music by Jason Robinson
Presented as part of "New Play Festival 2002"
University of California, San Diego

Directed by Daisy Walker

Lighting Design by M. Scott Grabau
Scenic Design by Kevin Judge
Costume Design by Jennifer Anderson

Billed as "a death row comedy that rocks" this new play has an interesting premise. The action takes place in the kitchen of a Texas prison that is run by an aspiring French chef. Imagine a prison with the best food in the whole world. Although it's not a musical, this play features music and singing between scenes. This play was staged in a small 98 seat theater with audience on three sides. This design was challenging because the lighting grid is a mere 10'-9" above the stage!

3:00 am in the kitchen. There were a lot of practicals, including two heatlamps on cord retractors above the work table.
In this scene inmates use the retractable heatlamps to interrogate John, the central character.

In this scene John leads an inmate to his execution. The two marvel at the moon.
Lighting for one of the songs.
In this scene the kitchen staff tests John's food delivery skills. The scene is staged in "slow motion" to over dramatize the action; a cliché from TV and film. On stage, however, it makes for goofy physical comedy. The actors were supported by strange eerie sounds from the band and undulating lighting.

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