As the saying goes: time flies when you’re having fun. This oft-used phrase might be used to describe iconic designer Isaac Mizrahi’s experience with the Guggenheim’s production of “Peter & The Wolf” as this year–his seventh–he is not only narrating the story (a fabulous introduction to the instruments of the orchestra for all ages) but directing the production and designing everything from the costumes (there are six, one for each of the characters) to the set.
I recently got the chance to chat with Mr. Mizrahi about his work with “Peter & The Wolf” and find out from him directly what kind of director he really is. (Plus, get even more “Peter & The Wolf” fun by entering our ticket giveaway! Click here to enter.)
So this year marks the seventh year of your involvement with
“Peter & The Wolf”?
Is it?! The seventh year—oh my gosh. I thought it was the fifth year. Wow, that’s insane! That’s scary.
How did you first get involved with the project?
I’ve always loved it. The music is particularly lovable to me. I love the music. Charles Fabius, the original producer of the show, called and said we have the Juilliard orchestra… and we want you to narrate it. I grew up listening to the Leonard Bernstein version and also listening to the David Bowie version…I’ve always dreamed of doing it.
I was so thrilled that someone thought of me in that context. So when he asked me I jumped at the chance.
And this year, you’re directing the show as well?
Well, usually I just read it. I don’t really design anything. I usually accompany an artist installation. This year, I’m designing it, directing it and staging it, and I’m excited. I’ve been thinking about this for seven years. I’ve been sort of secretly wishing to do this.
How have you found the directing experience? Are you enjoying it? Tell us about your directing style.
It’s been absolutely amazing so far. Frankly, I’ve been working on costumes and sets and things and I’ve been working with John Heginbotham who’s the choreographer and thinking about it and talking about it, and everything and working with John, and tomorrow we start rehearsals. I’m really excited, scared, thrilled everything all at once.
This is my second second time directing something on the stage. I did an opera a couple of years ago in St Louis, and I think that was a really good show. The thing is, what I try to bring to it is a kind of simplicity, a kind of directness, a kind of truthfulness, and in that way I’m laying off of everything, so I’m trying to create this style that comes through. And the only way to describe that is to say I’m going to do it, every little bit of it.
Every decision is going to come from the same spot, from my head, so that’s what’s going to make it stylish.
Did you cast the performers as well?
Yes, I casted it. It’s all according to my vision, every single part of it.
And the show is good for whole families–both grown ups and kids can appreciate the performance?
Yes! It’s meant—it was written by Prokofiev– to introduce kids to the orchestra, to different instruments of the orchestra. I think we could go a little bit further and kind of like maybe animate it just slightly, just enough. That’s the balance. I want to make it a real introduction to these instruments. I want to keep it simple.
So even with the thirty minutes of suspense in the performance, the show is appropriate for little kids?
Yes. Exactly. I will say that I’m very inspired by Bugs Bunny, by those cartoons. Growing up, I was watching those cartoons, and they’re really very sophisticated. There were a lot of sophisticated jokes and humor there. Appealing to kids, adults, and that’s what I’m trying to do here.
Will you do it again next year? How do you find the time?
Well, this year it’s especially time-consuming because I’m actually creating it for the first time. If there’s a reprisal of it next year then it will be much less intense because it will be already done.
What can you tell us about the location of the show at theater in the Guggenheim?
It’s unbelievably charming. That in itself is worth going to see the show for. It’s just so so enchanting.
