Earth to Kenzie Tour

Lyric Opera of Chicago Earth to Kenzie Tour

The Challenge

For Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Earth to Kenzie, Great Lakes Scenic Design was tasked with creating a durable scenic package built to withstand the realities of touring and constant cycles of load-in, strike, and transport. The scenery also needed to support multiple configurations within a single unit, including moving wall elements that transform during the performance, most notably a large trapezoidal panel designed to travel vertically along the rear wall.

The Solution

GLSD began by engineering a modular system that prioritized fast, tool-free connections between each scenic component. Detailed shop drawings were developed to translate the design into a fabrication plan, accounting for structural connections, moving scenic elements, hardware, and the unique requirements of a touring production.

The primary structures were then fabricated from steel for long-term durability, with CNC-routed elements, printed graphics, acrylic, ACM, and custom scenic finishes integrated into the finished units. Finally, GLSD designed and fabricated two dedicated transport carts tailored to securely carry the uniquely shaped components while remaining compact enough to navigate the production’s access constraints.

Built for the Tour

The result is a large-scale scenic environment that transforms throughout the performance while remaining remarkably efficient behind the scenes. The complete set packs onto just two carts, passes through a standard doorway, and can be assembled by a crew of two stagehands in under 20 minutes.

With durable steel construction, tool-free connections, integrated moving elements, and detailed assembly documentation, Earth to Kenzie was built not just for opening night, but for repeated load-in, performance, strike, and transport throughout its tour.