Bricktop is a musical revue based on the life of Ada “Bricktop” Smith, who has been called “one of the most legendary and enduring figures of twentieth-century American cultural history.” Bricktop tells her own story through memory and music using songs from her long life as a singer, dancer and club owner. Bricktop is the story of jazz, of African-Americans in performance, of racial relations, and of Paris before and after WWII. Bricktop recounts her humble beginnings in Alderson, West Virginia through her career as a cabaret performer and club owner that took her around the world, made her the companion of royalty, a favorite of writers and musicians, and the “Doyenne” of café society in Paris.
What legs! What legs! –Cole Porter
Bricktop begins her journey. I designed a composite set, reminiscent of the nightclub's she travelled to around the world. I used illuminated signs to help tell that story.
Bricktop owned her own club.. I used a material called "FireWire" to create Neon signs
The performer interacted with the live band, It was important for the performer and Director to keep us within the club atmosphere as she told her story
Paris was her claim to fame, where she mingled with the rich and famous of the 1920's and 30's
Le Grand Duc or Great Owl was a club Bricktop owned.
From Paris to Harlem and back again. Bricktop lived a fascinating life on her own terms.
Bricktop's Dressing room. These are always fun to design and add in details and layers to the story.
Digital Rendering- concept art for the Director
Digital concept art of the signs and how they might illuminate
Digital concept art sketch of all the signs. Le Grand Duc or the Great Owl in the middle was made from florals and lights.