Editor’s note: Elvin Clark, one of the actors in Tryon Little Theater’s production of “Knock, Knock,” has been writing a blog about the experience. Over the next several weeks, the Bulletin will publish some of his posts to give insight into the process of creating a community theater production. “Knock, Knock” runs April 19-22 and April 26-29 at the Tryon Little Theater’s Workshop.
Subject – set decoration. Verdict – wow!
Set decoration is an art all its own. Over the weekend, TLT’s talented group of demented people, including Rebecca Davis, Jody McPherson, Mimi Alexander, Alexa Hughes, Jerreth Emory and possibly a cast of thousands, outdid themselves on the set of “Knock Knock.”
When the cast walked in last night, all we could say was “Wow!”
In life, clutter is deemed a bad thing. When it comes to two middle-aged men who haven’t left their home in 20 years, clutter’s status becomes elevated to the main decorating theme. Our team of dementors (mostly women, please note) apparently had a wonderful time getting into the minds of middle-aged men and determining what their home would look like after 20 years without a woman’s touch.
They had far too much fun. Think about it. Your job is to take whatever is there and mess it up. What could be more cathartic? Thousands of hours of therapy no longer needed. From what I was told there are inside jokes among them everywhere on the set. Don’t ask. Don’t tell.
My first question was, “Where’s the mouse?”  There has been a tradition of a toy mouse appearing on almost every set done in the last few years. Sometimes it’s hidden in places the audience will never see but, most often, it’s in plain sight. It took me a long time to find it last night, but yes, he/she (I refuse to check) is there – in plain sight.
I would love to show you pictures of the set. But I won’t, I can’t, I shan’t. This set is worth the price of admission by itself. If we actors show up and actually say something, consider that a bonus.
They’ll begin rigging lights on Tuesday and by the end of the week we should be able to run the effects that are being planned. Box office opens Thursday.
Can’t wait until April 19. Beware the rubber chicken.