A Production of Academy of Vocal Arts
Falstaff 2026
Project Overview
Industry
Theatre & Performing Arts
Client
Set Designer
Location
Skills
Giuseppe Verdi’s sparkling blend of wit, elegance, and musical brilliance brings a lively close to AVA’s 91st season. Written when he was nearly 80, Falstaff marks a striking shift from the sweeping tragedies that defined much of his earlier work. Instead, Verdi delivers a spirited comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, with touches of Henry IV, all animated by Arrigo Boito’s effervescent libretto.
At the heart of this whirlwind comedy is Sir John Falstaff, a lovable yet foolish schemer who sets out to charm two sharp-witted, wealthy women for his own gain. His plan quickly unravels into a series of clever tricks, disguises, and well-earned humiliation as the women outsmart him at every turn. Verdi’s score perfectly captures the energy and humor of the story, weaving together lively ensembles and vibrant arias.
Since its 1893 debut, Falstaff has stood as one of opera’s finest comedies—a spirited and refined celebration of human folly and resilience, capped by a brilliant finale proclaiming, “All the world is a jest!”
We fabricated and installed a custom scenic package that brought the production’s setting to life with both precision and character. The centerpiece was a custom backdrop wall featuring a CNC-cut house silhouette, creating a striking visual focal point with depth and detail.
To complement the scene, we built custom screens fitted with digitally printed panels, along with a scaled-down bed and hand-painted fabric drops that added texture and warmth. Together, these elements created a cohesive environment that balanced craftsmanship with storytelling.
