Best of Nashville
Arts & Entertainment
Best Stagecraft
Actors Bridge/Belmont University's Arabian Nights
This fall 2008 collaboration by Actors Bridge Ensemble and Belmont University at the Troutt Theater proved to be a showcase for sensual and alluring design elements, starting with Paul Gattrell's fabulous set, featuring a front thrust, impressive ribbon-clad pillars and ornate angular platforms. In addition, the 16 players performing Mary Zimmerman's adaptation of ancient Middle Eastern folk tales were elegantly fitted into June Kingsbury's sumptuous, colorful costumes. Richard K. Davis' glittering lighting schemes—with shifting shades of aquamarine and magenta, plus a glorious crescent moon—provided a thoroughly exotic aura to an all-around impressive technical effort. MARTIN BRADY
