Person of interest: Tony Ferrieri
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Tony Ferrieri -- His cabaret setting for City Theatre's "Sam Bendrix at the Bon Soir" is the 475th production design of his career.
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The recent cabaret setting for City Theatre's "Sam Bendrix at the Bon Soir" (Nov. 12-Dec. 18), complete with working bar and table seating, marked the 475th production design of Tony Ferrieri's career.
Mr. Ferrieri of Brookline is City's director of production and resident scenic designer, but Quantum and Pittsburgh Irish & Classical theaters are among the companies where his work has been on display in 32 years of creating for local stages. He said his biggest challenge -- minimal resources -- also is the source of the biggest benefits of his work, which is "designing with so many generous individuals willing to donate money and goods to make all the productions even possible."
The 1980 University of Pittsburgh graduate received the Fred Kelly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre in 2004. In September 2010, a retrospective of his work titled "Tony Ferrieri Exposed: 30 Years on 30 Pittsburgh Stages" was exhibited at West Liberty University in West Virginia.
After a busy 2011 with 10 shows for City and Quantum, the designer has been sidelined by back surgery. He said on Friday that he is "recuperating and making very slow but steady progress."
Mac or PC?: Definitely PC.
My perfect weekend: On a beach anywhere!
Good luck charm (or theater ritual): Salt.
Three things always in your refrigerator: Hormel Homeland Hard Salami, cheese and orange juice.
Pet peeve about Pittsburgh: Too many gray rainy days!
Favorite spot in the 'Burgh: Gail & Bill Smith's fabulous backyard.
How you want to be remembered: As a caring person.
Can't live without: My to-do list.
Best book ever: The Bible.
When I'm not at work, I can often be found ... : When I'm not at City Theatre I would likely be found working on another show somewhere with Quantum Theatre or some other company ... or at home with my lovely wife of 30 years, Annette.
Best piece of advice you've ever received: You should think about becoming a set designer.
Biggest challenge in designing: Designing with minimal resources.
First Published January 8, 2012 12:00 am
