The New York Times published a great theatre review of a play with the scenic design by College of Charleston Theatre Professor Charlie Calvert, assisted by student Samantha Dahabi.

[Related: Read the New York Times review.]

Calvert and Dahabi worked on the set for “Our Town,” produced by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. The play opened November 7, 2013.

The critic, Michael Sommers, says, “Charlie Calvert, the scenic designer, provides a square, wooden proscenium that frames a modest thrust stage and the handsome back wall of an old-fashioned theater built of dusky red brick. The tables and chairs used by the actors to represent places including a drugstore, a church and a cemetery have been carefully selected to be authentic to the region and the period.”

Calvert, who was in New Jersey for the final rehearsals and opening, says, “It’s always nice to get a small mention in the review and this critic seemed to really enjoy all of the design elements.”

[Related: View another of Calvert’s New York Times reviews.]

“The feedback has been awesome,” Dahabi comments. “I have been keeping track of the reviews on my own. Everything I have read raved about the show.”

Dahabi worked with Calvert to research period styles and influences, which were noted by the critic. During the design the pair constantly referred to the images Dahabi uncovered.

“I’m really proud of the work I did with Professor Calvert,” Dahabi says. “From the photos I’ve seen the set looks exactly like my model. It is really rewarding to see something so tiny, like the model, become life size and for it to look exactly the way it was intended. I’m super jealous that I wasn’t able to experience the show for myself. If I could do it again that is the only thing I would do differently.”

[Related: Find out more opportunities for theatre majors.]

Dahabi, a triple major in theatre, dance, and arts management, has a busy year ahead. She is designing a show for “Mad Gravity,” which opens in January. In the spring, she is performing in the department’s dance concert, “Embracing Pangaea,” and assisting the technical director with “She Kills Monsters.”

For more information, contact Charlie Calvert at calvertcc@cofc.edu.