Designs by Beth Joos

"The Old Maid and the Thief," a comic opera by Giancarlo Menotti, is set in 1939.  The costume design was authentic, but somewhat exaggerated to emphasize class differences, and in the case of Miss Pinkerton, to heighten the comic aspect of the circumstances of the plot.  Miss Todd, the old maid, has fallen on hard times, but still retains an appropriately attired maid.  Bob, a drifter who looks a little rough around the edges, but because he is a man, is welcomed into the home. Miss Pinkerton wears furs and jewelry in keeping with the high society image she wishes to project.  

The scenic design for the parlor, kitchen and bedroom is realistic for the time period.  The liquor store, however, is deliberately cartoonish to enhance the ridiculous robbery of the place by the lady of the house and her maid.  The props contribute to the the hysteria that produces much of the comedy in this piece.         

Rick Endres, Photographer