‘Hamilton’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ Scenic Designer David Korins Opens Exhibition in Arizona

As a lifelong theater enthusiast who has had the privilege of witnessing some of the most groundbreaking Broadway productions, I can confidently say that the upcoming exhibition “Stages of Imagination: The Iconic Broadway Designs of David Korins” is an event not to be missed. With a career spanning iconic productions like “Hamilton,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” Korins has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of theater, and this exhibition promises to offer a unique glimpse into the collaborative process behind these masterpieces.

David Korins, the creator of stage designs for hit shows like “Hamilton,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” is making his way to Tucson, Arizona, with a fresh exhibit called “Stages of Imagination: The Memorable Broadway Designs by David Korins.

Starting this coming weekend, I’ll have the privilege to immerse myself in the captivating exhibition at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, which runs all the way until May 31, 2025. This extraordinary journey promises to take me through the mesmerizing world of Korins’ masterpieces.

Korins, who’s known for contributions in projects like the Academy Awards, Mrs. Doubtfire, Here Lies Love, The Who’s Tommy, among others, received an invitation from the museum’s head, William Russo, to display his artistry.

Korins explains to EbMaster that he expressed his desire to delve more deeply into analyzing five distinct projects. By examining these five projects, observers will have the opportunity to notice the unique outcomes while also recognizing common themes in collaboration and teamwork.

Korins selected five theatrical productions, namely “Hamilton”, “Dear Evan Hansen”, “Beetlejuice: The Musical”, “The Who’s Tommy”, and his latest endeavor, “Here Lies Love”.

In curating the exhibition, Korins conducted deep dives with the show’s directors, actors and writers. “There is no such thing as set design by David Korins. When you see ‘set design by David Korins,’ it’s hundreds of people coming together to make thousands of decisions,” he says. “The thing we all see as the final set of ‘Hamilton’ is many artists working together to make this extraordinary thing. What I like about the exhibition is that we pull back the curtain. We’re amplifying the voices of model makers, illustrators, craftspeople, builders and performers.”

The showcase will highlight authentic designs, rough drafts, color schemes, and initial concepts that reveal the intricate process by which Korin and his team of artisans convert a stage script into a spectacular Broadway performance.

Among the displayed items are Korins’ notes from “Hamilton,” which at that time were part of the “Hamilton Mixtape.” He explains, “I read the play, made lots of little annotations, and brought them to the interview. Those small details turned into the set that became the foundation for the show to take off.” Korins also mentions his original sketch for “Dear Evan Hansen,” the one director Michael Greif pointed at and said, “That’s the one I want to delve deeper into.” This design traveled around the world and won both Tony and Olivier awards.

Korins expresses her expectation that the miniatures will spark inspiration among viewers, stating, “These models serve as means of communication, and they are tools we employ during rehearsals to convey some of the most significant thematic narratives of our time. Within those five productions lie stories of trauma, love, marriage, rebellion, revolution, and death. These are immense tales that originated from these seemingly insignificant settings.

During the event, Korins will additionally stay in residence for a few weeks, offering master classes, design sessions, and symposiums open to both the general public and design students.

2024-09-20 22:16

‘Hamilton’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ Scenic Designer David Korins Opens Exhibition in Arizona

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