Tom Scutt
Two-time Tony Nominated, London based, Scenic and Costume Designer, Tom Scutt, joins us On The Couch this week. This has been a huge week for Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, with nine Tony Nominations, including nods to Eddie Redmayne, Gayle Rankin, Steven Skybell, Bebe Neuwirth for Best Leading and Supporting Actor and Actress in a Musical, Isabella Byrd for Lighting Design, and Nick Lidster for Autograph for Sound Design (in addition to the double nomination for Mr. Scutt).
Scutt’s creative process on the show began with its London production which is closing in on 3 and a half years and more than 1000 performances at The Playhouse Theatre. The highly anticipated transfer to Broadway has exceeded all expectations, which is largely due to Tom’s vision and transformation of the August Wilson Theatre, and his close and altogether unique collaboration with director Rebecca Frecknall. The process took months, and Tom used existing details combined with new imaginative ways to create The KitKat Club – he says that “it doesn’t need to feel like 1920’s Germany; it just needs to feel like you’re somewhere else”.
Before Cabaret, Scutt’s work has spanned everything from Ben Platt’s Sing to Me Instead tour, Sam Smith Live, the UK tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and a Tony Award nomination for his spot-on costumes for acclaimed play King Charges III.
Also, does anyone know what happened with Anderson Cooper at Joel Grey‘s Birthday preview?
What do you consider to be your best asset?
The people I get to collaborate with.
What was your proudest moment?
Invited dress rehearsal for Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on March 30.
What is your favorite drink?
English Breakfast Tea.
What is your favorite condiment?
Worcestershire sauce.
What is your current obsession?
The Tony Awards.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Procrastination.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
A holiday.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
I compulsively buy books I don’t have time to read.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Buying books I don’t have time to read.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Theater.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Do what makes you happy.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
(Heavily pregnant pause) Overthinking.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Rapid fire questions mainly to camera.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
The moment I met Anderson Cooper at Joel Grey’s birthday preview for Cabaret is definitely up there.
What is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place is much more about who rather than where.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Cats.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
You’ve already made it the best day of my life.
What is your personal motto?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.