I have been asked to design sets for RCT's production of "Addams Family the Musical." Opening night is March 17. The director, Ruth Brown, says this is right up my alley. I would have to agree.

This will be the set designing assignment for me. I'm still learning, as I have no formal training in set design. Of course, I want to do something that's a little crazy and completely different. The crew started meeting last Spring, which means I've had lots of time to think about my approach.

At first, I wanted to design something in the vein of the silent movie "Dr. Caligari." This may have been slightly out of my league — the set pieces themselves, at first, seem simplistic and flat. However, after more study, there seems to be much more lighting effects than we can manage in our theatre. Also, when something as iconic as "Addams Family" is presented, there is probably some expectation to recognize at least a compatibility with sets and pieces that were used in the TV show. I'm hoping to hit somewhere in-between, with some of the details being off kilter and unexpected, in the style of Chuck Jones cartoon backgrounds. I want many details to be painted, rather than found objects. These will include appropriately crazy family portraits and subtley wacky wallpaper.

My first round of sketches are always quite rough and full of many notes, arrows and references. I turned these over to Ruth early last week. This week, I'm planning to start more detailed color sketches — picking out color samples and possible references for set pieces. We are having an "Addams' Family" meeting on Nov. 12 to generate interest in the production. Although, I'm pretty sure there are many who are interested in participating.

Yesterday, there was a call-out to RCT's Facebook followers for used Halloween decor. It will be fun to examine what that call-out brings to the theatre. One could pretty much pack up my personal home decor and have a decent selection of macabre items. More updates to come over the following weeks.