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The Best Set Designs On Broadway Right Now

The Best Set Designs On Broadway Right Now

July 28, 2023 by

Here’s a list of some of the top 5 Broadway set designs in 2023.

2023 brought no shortage of extraordinary Broadway shows with musicals and plays to New York City. These shows use colors and textures to serve a purpose. As a result, they provoke feelings in the viewer to help them understand the setting and plot of the performance. Below, we discuss Broadway set design, including some details you may have missed. Here we discuss top Broadways with interesting set designs. But warning, there are spoilers ahead!

We also include how to get cheap Broadway tickets with no hidden fees. Just keep reading.

5. Company

Coming in 5th, we have Company. Company, A Musical Comedy, had its Broadway debut in 1970. It now made a comeback, however this time with a change. In the original play, Bobby was a bachelor who traveled to vibrant New York City to learn about connections, romance, and marriage.

The lead of the musical’s return to Broadway is now Bobbie, a bachelorette who is investigating the very same ideas as Bobby did just a few years before. Critics have praised this spectacular comeback! Astonishingly, Company won five Tony Awards in 2022, including the following: Best musical scenery design. No surprise there! That’s one of the reasons it made this list.

Who did the set design for Company the musical?

The talented designer Bunny Christie designed the set for Company.

Company on Broadway Set Design

A key attribute of the Company set design lies in its simplicity. Therefore, as the focus of this production is the lives of couples with kids and families, Christie wanted the characters and their stories to stand out. She further indicates this through greyscale interior decorations and illuminating the uniquely dressed performers, specifically Bobbie in her bright red dress.

For those who watched the Broadway show Company or have seen clips or images of the set, you may be wondering what the reasoning behind Bunny Christie’s idea of using interchangeable neon cubes is. The cubes enclosing bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms represent the different living situations Bobbie strives to understand as she figures out her own future. The compact boxes enclosing the entirety of one scene also allow for quick scene changes as everything can be transported at once.

Where can I get Company tickets?

Get cheap Company tickets today through TickPick at the guaranteed lowest prices or your money back!

Taken From Unsplash

4. Frozen

Taking fourth is Frozen. The Broadway musical Frozen is based on the beloved Disney animated film. We have probably all heard of the story of the princess who embarks on a protracted quest in this tale to find her lost sister, while singing along to “Let It Go” or “Do You Want To Build A Snowman.” However, you won’t want to miss Frozen the musical with its complex set changes and intricate details. Here’s why Frozen – The Musical made our list.

Who did the set design for Frozen the musical?

The Tony Award Winning set designer Christopher Oram designed the set of Frozen.

Frozen the Musical Set Design

Any fan of the classic Disney film Frozen sees parallels in the Broadway set. Spanning from the royal palace Anna grew up in, all the way to Elsa’s self-made fortress and beyond, there are clearly familiar staple pieces that remind us of the children’s movie. However, a key aspect of this musical are the projections. They are important from the very beginning with the aurora borealis in the very first act. It’s also used to create the mystical shimmers in Elsa’s ice castle. To further support the sparkle of ice caused by Elsa’s magic, the Frozen set also incorporates thousands of tiny crystals. 

Additionally, Oram using lighting to highlight the intensity and mood of every scene. For example, during the dangerous moments on Anna’s journey, he uses darker blues and greys to signify the uncertainty and risk.

Where can I get Frozen – The Musical tickets?

Get the lowest pricing on Frozen tickets right now via TickPick.

3. Aladdin

In third, we have Aladdin! Another musical based on a timeless animated film, but with some new features. Aladdin on Broadway contains all the charm, magic, and more. Experience the journey of little Aladdin, who receives three wishes from a genie lamp.

This outstanding performance, which has been nominated for Grammy Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, Tony Awards, and Drama Desk Awards, is one you won’t want to miss.

Who did the set design for Aladdin?

The Aladdin on Broadway set was designed by Bob Crowley.

Aladdin the Musical Set Design

Similarly to Frozen, Aladdin the musical has maintained many of the key components we find in the Disney animated film. However, Crowley made sure to add a more modern twist to the age old story set in the East. He incorporated the radiant colors to signify the extravagance of the palace while exaggerating all the features on set.

For example, creating giant feather fans, sparkling beaded gowns, and extra detailed Mandela walls. The feathered fans also serve a purpose an audience member wouldn’t expect. They are covers that keep the performers out of sight while they quickly change their costumes in a scene or in between scenes. All of this extravagance also highlights Aladdin himself, as it clearly puts him out of place in his simple light colored pants and tiny vest.

Finally, to address the elephant in the room, there is the flying magic carpet. Despite Bob Crowley’s refusal to divulge the flying device mechanism’s secret, it is an essential component of the production and without it, Aladdin wouldn’t be Aladdin.

Where can I get Aladdin Tickets?

If you’re eager to see this riveting Broadway production, think about ordering your Aladdin Broadway tickets from TickPick to receive Broadway tickets without hidden fees. Unlike other ticket sellers, the price you see is the price you pay!

2. Wicked

Coming in second, we have Wicked. This Broadway production features two young witches. It’s taken from the traditional story The Wizard of Oz. In this version, there is Glinda, a gorgeous blonde, Elphaba, a green-skinned witch, and a wizard in the background pulling the strings. They initially don’t get along, however they soon develop an unexpected friendship. Keep reading to learn more about this Tony Award winning production for Best Scenic Design.

Who did the set design for Wicked?

Eugene Lee is the set designer for Wicked.

Wicked Set Design

We see how the backdrop is populated with gears and machinery that serve as a representation of the impacts of the Wizard or the man behind the curtain. The Wizard influences a significant portion of the decision-making in this production and these gears serve as a reminder of that. With Glinda’s bubble in the first scene, we are introduced to the common theme of mechanicalism that runs throughout the whole performance. All the gears are painted, coated with fiber glass, and cut out of foam for quick and simple transportation, however this is unlikely to be apparent to a spectator.

The set designer developed their own proscenium to extend the design closer to the audience in order to make the production seem more present and personal.

Additionally, by the use of arrangement, shape, and proportionality, the set points toward the action that’s taking place on stage to direct the audience.

Where can I get Wicked tickets?

Consider purchasing your tickets with TickPick to see the enthralling Broadway show Wicked if you want to get no-fee seats. We remain true to our promise. You always pay the price you see.

1. Hamilton

Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Taking the top spot is Hamilton (nothing shocking here). This is an American musical that tells the story of the upbringing, struggles, and perseverance of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers, but with a hip-hop twist. Inclusive of the most catchy and inspiring songs in Broadway history, this Tony Award winning production, nominated for Best Set Design of a Musical is one you definitely want to see for yourself.

Who did the set design for Hamilton?

Hamilton’s set is designed by David Korins.

Hamilton Set Design

Unlike Company, Hamilton’s set is brought to life through the abundance of intricate details. From the 33 different colors of brick to the giant turntables that quickly transport the performers in and out of the audience’s view or transform the set completely in mere seconds.

Like other designers, Korins emphasizes the use of the set to support the actors and their messages. Particularly, scaffolding is a big part of the set throughout the scenes. Korins uses scaffolding around the brick walls to represent the slow but progressive structuring and building of the United States. Therefore, pay close attention while watching Hamilton as you quickly uncover the dozens of hidden messages buried by Korins throughout the Hamilton set.

Where can I get Hamilton tickets?

To get no-fee Hamilton tickets for the captivating Broadway musical head to TickPick. We stand by our word. Therefore, the price you see is the price you pay.

How Can I Get Cheap Broadway Tickets?

If you’ve come this far, we may have convinced you to see one of these Broadway shows live. You’ve heard this a couple of times, but we’ll share it again: when choosing where to purchase tickets, consider TickPick. We are a ticket marketplace that never tacks on unnecessary fees to make sure you get the greatest deal.

We are therefore a fantastic source for Broadway show tickets. We offer the best prices for the best seats on the secondary market. Also, we have already sold out Broadway tickets. Therefore, we even have last-minute Broadway tickets.

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