"The stunningly beautiful and imaginative set design by New York-based Paul Tate de Poo III, inspired by the Art Deco riches of the historic Will Rogers Auditorium itself, is—to quote the show’s Twenties slang—a peach. His backdrop painting of a New York cityscape of the 1920s—a “rhapsody in blues” homage to early 20th century painters such as Joseph Stella or John Sloan, perhaps?—drew a gasp and murmur when the curtain went up on opening night. A particularly beautiful Art Deco latticework panel dropped down at intervals to fill the stage, a layering device that let the next scene slowly reveal itself as the screen was lifted away" 

-  TheatreJones

"Prism Theatrics makes quite a splash with their inaugural production. The production values of this Millie are stellar. The set design, by Paul Tate dePoo III is truly incredible and looks every bit as impressive as a Broadway stage." 

- The Examiner 

The strongest, most professional aspect of this production is its whimsical, expressionistic set, framed in Art Nouveau latticework flats that flow in and out with ease and speed. Far upstage a detailed, multi-faceted grey-hued panorama of New York City circa 1920 graces the full width and breadth of the back wall, giving a tangible, enticing sense of place to the production. (Set Designer — Paul Tate dePoo). It is one of the best articulated set designs I’ve seen in the region this year.

- Critical Rant 

JOSEPHINE

ASOLO REP 2016

Composition: 

Tobias Picker       

Direction + Choreography: 

Joey McKneely

Scenic Design:

Paul Tate dePoo III    

Costume Design:

Eduardo Sicangco   

Lighting Design: 

Brian Nason

Projection Design: 

Alex Basco Koch 

Sound Design: 

Justin Stasiw 

* Asolo Rep presents the world-premiere of Josephine, the original new musical bound for Broadway following its Sarasota run. The entrancing Josephine Baker was beautiful, ambitious, and the toast of Europe at the height of her fame in the 1920s-30s. Born into poverty in St. Louis, she rose to become an icon of the Jazz Age, captivating Paris audiences as a dancer, singer, actress and the twentieth-century’s first international black female sex symbol. Directed and choreographed by Tony nominated Joey McKneely and starring Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling recording artist Deborah Cox, this dazzling new musical revolves around Baker’s stint as the star of the Folies-Bergere in Paris from 1939-45, her scandalous affair with Swedish Crown Prince Gustav IV, and her service in the French Resistance during World War II.