Scan of an early version of the design. Click on image to enlarge. Some placements and measurements changed as the show developed, but the form remained the same.© 2005 Richard J. Clifford

Click on the images to enlarge.
The set is a unit set built on an raked platform representing an unfurled scroll—signifying prophecy and its fulfillment. It features a Romanesque colonnade, a stepped terrace, two side peninsulas, and various plugs and flown units to help suggest the various locations of the show. The director wanted each scene to flow with minimal shifting of scenery, thus the changes were kept subtle and simple. Additionally, our theatre has two elevated side areas that were used primarily for angel choirs.
The stepped terrace is angled on the sides to create a feeling of a curved terrace, and forcing the focal points center. On the floor you can see the writing of the scroll which is copied from an Isaiah scroll featuring Messianic prophecy. The scroll continues up and forms a ground row that creates a jagged horizon and masks the bottom of a sky drop, black scrim, and star drop. The black scrim remained in throughout the show to cover the flying of the cyc and star drop.

Isaiah Scroll

Plugs in the Openings

The various locations were created by inserting plugs into the openings in the colonnade thus creating the tomb, the upper room, the marketplace, Zacharias' exterior, etc.

The interior of the temple included a single marble column, various gold leafed furniture pieces and the multi-colored temple veil made of sharkstooth scrim which would reveal the angel when lit from behind. Not shown in the photos are 3 hanging electrified bowls fitted with flicker bulbs made to resemble oil burning chandeliers.

Simple flown units were sometimes employed to change the space—as here where drops of erosion cloth provided a grotto for the birth and still allowed for the host of angels to be seen.

The set featured two levels: heaven and earth. The focus was on the interest of heaven in earthly matters. The upper level was supported by a colonnade that was used for multiple entrances and locations.