Guys on Ice Receives Praise in SLO Review

I’m thrilled to share that Guys on Ice at The Great American Melodrama has received a wonderful review from SLO Review. The article, titled “‘Guys on Ice’ Is Warm and Funny,” celebrates the production’s humor, heart, and craftsmanship—while also recognizing my scenic design:

Designing Guys on Ice marked my return to The Great American Melodrama after five years, and coming back with this particular project was especially meaningful. The show departs slightly from the Melodrama’s typical format, focusing on just two central characters—Lloyd and Marvin—who spend the day ice fishing, reminiscing, and singing about life’s small joys inside their ice shanty.

From the beginning, I wanted the set to feel intimate and grounded on the outside, while opening up to reveal a playful, Wisconsin-themed interior full of personality and warmth. The shanty needed to function as both a realistic fishing shelter and a theatrical world where humor, memory, and music could unfold naturally. That balance—between authenticity and whimsy—became the guiding principle of the design.

The SLO Review article highlights how the scenic design works in harmony with the production’s other elements, from performances and music to props and costumes, noting that everything comes together to support the show’s gentle storytelling and emotional clarity. Seeing that intention reflected back through the review is deeply affirming.

I’m grateful to have collaborated with such a talented team on a production that embraces simplicity, warmth, and connection. Guys on Ice is a reminder that strong storytelling doesn’t always require spectacle—sometimes it just needs the right space for characters to feel at home.