Three Sisters images
We've had such a strenuous time building the set (abysmal cast participation) that I couldn't find time till now to put up some pix. So this first collection covers about three or four weekends of progress.
The premise of Tom's really clever design is that as soon as the show finishes with a room or a piece of furniture, the crew crates it up in preparation for the move to Moscow. And instead of building crates for furniture, we've built furniture that transforms into crates. The stage starts out busy with furniture and ends up cluttered with packing boxes.
At right you see one of the big dining room chairs (there are just two—most of the people sit on benches). The next page shows the second unit turned upside down on top of the first to form a tall crate. Note the Tempest paint job on some of the plywood we used for the chair.
The second image shows the two big beds. (Well, they're big in comparison to the actors, actually somewhat smaller than modern standard size.) Director John peeks in at the left. The head and foot boards—you could have guessed this—fold down to make a solid top on each box, as you'll see on the next page. Since this picture was made, I've cut lifting grips into the ends. The mechanism that holds up the boards is a secret, or at least it's hard to see from this angle.
The parlor has a loveseat as well as a table and small armchairs. The third photo on this page shows the loveseat. You'll be relieved to know that the furniture gets some upholstery; I certainly would not feel lovin' if I had to sit on the raw plywood.
At left, my friend Camryn and my friend Tom, who is related to her, test the parlor chairs and table. It didn't take Camryn long to figure out she liked that chair better with a cushion.
We assembled most of the furniture with my new air nailer. The fun just never stops down at the old Town & Gown. Although dismantling these chairs was maybe less fun; we had to remove the seats so the cushions could be attached. Time to bring out the big hammer: There must have been 60 nails (little bitty nails) in each unit. Swearing, too, just enough to get through the day.
This is the second trickiest piece in the set. The three pieces just slide together to make their own box, as you see at right. (The trickiest piece was built after these photos; it will make a brief appearance on the next page.)
There's also a dining table, a dressing table, and a grove of trees. Amy has been stitching the fabric for something like 18 trees. I don't know what these do, but I expect this last weekend of work will be pretty much dedicated to them.
Three Sisters opens September 21 for the usual two-weekend run. You should reserve early: 706 208 8696.
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