The exhibit, entitled "Setting the Stage: Scenic Designs by Donald Oenslager," will feature 20 designs by Oenslager, including models and examples from his work on Girl Crazy (1930); Red, Hot, and Blue! (1936); My Sister Eileen (1940); You Can't Take It With You (1936); and Margin for Error (1939). The designs have been selected from the Museum's Donald Oenslager Archive, which was a gift from the late artist.
Oenslager began his career in theatre as an actor in the 1924 debut of Eugene O'Neill's Desire Under the Elms. He followed in 1927 as scenic designer on Sooner or Later, and soon after became a founding member of Yale University's Drama School faculty.
Known for his emphasis on symbolism and the interpretative use of lighting, Oenslager helped to reform American scenic design. He was honored with the 1959 Tony Award for his scenic designs on A Majority of One. His additional credits include Major Barbara, The Constant Wife, Life With Mother, Present Laughter, A Case of Libel and A Far Country.
"Setting the Stage: Scenic Designs by Donald Oenslager" will be on exhibit through May 4 at the Museum of the City of New York, located at 1220 Fifth Avenue.
For further information phone (212) 534-1672 or visit www.mcny.org.