Review: “Just So” Puts on a Mesmerizing Visual and Auditory Experience

Immediately upon entering the Hanaway Theater, I knew “Just So” was going to be a performance to remember. My eyes met elusive lighting projections and elaborately painted backdrops adorned with bright shades of green and fuchsia. The attractive set enthralled my senses, creating palpable anticipation for the show that was about to begin. When the show began, I had no idea what was happening. All I gathered was a bedtime story about animals coming to life. But I didn’t care. The enchanting set captivated my attention far more than the storyline itself. The bright colors and detailed background blended beautifully with the tiered set. I found myself lost in a whimsical jungle, serenaded by angelic voices emerging from the ornate stage. This experience is a gift from producer Matt Kizer, who is also the decorated resident lighting and scenic designer of Plymouth State’s theatre program. Enchanted by his work in “Just So, ” I decided to explore his creative process and inspirations on his website, scenicandlighting.com. If you enjoyed the visual atmosphere of the show, I highly recommend checking out this resource! Matt shares his blueprints for both stage design and projection templates. He reveals that the physical set and Read More