I designed the scenery for the first production of Rue McClanahan’s Oedipus Schmedipus: As Long As You Love Your Mother. The musical is one part Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and another part British bedroom farce.

I created a revolving Parthenon where Zeus could sit and throw foam rubber lightning bolts. The tiny slave ship slid along an ocean track within, then appeared coming toward the audience with ocean fabric, and then parked with its side facing the audience. There were lots of sliding door panels, and walls that flip out… lots of options for a fast moving, zany musical comedy.

And, yes, Rue was great to work with. I made a little model as we worked through the designs and we would sit in her kitchen and chit chat about what would work best for the show.