As visitors roam the Brown Gallery of the McNay Art Museum, a curtain draws back on the life’s work of a theatrical visionary: the “Tony Walton: Designer of Dreams” exhibit. Walton, an accomplished designer, partook in the design of many theatrical staples, from “Mary Poppins” to “All That Jazz.” Today, his work stands in the McNay as a testament to the genius that lies behind the curtain, bringing productions to life.
Various artifacts, such as set and costume designs, from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” line the right side of the Brown Gallery. Walton’s designs for the Broadway musical, set in ancient Rome, perfectly encapsulate both the comedy’s setting and hilarity. His sketches, such as “Costume design for Hysterium as Virgin,” emulate a cheeky, playful energy and bring vibrant personalities to life before they even step on stage.
Walton also designed Whoopi Goldberg’s costume for the character Pseudolus. Goldberg was the first woman to portray the traditionally male role, and Walton masterfully adapted the outfit to her silhouette while maintaining the character’s classic visual.
Walton aided the set design for the musical as well, creating a maquette that displayed his desired scenery. His use of striking reds and oranges reflect the show’s comedic atmosphere, while ancient Roman architectural motifs incorporate a level of realism to the otherwise unserious play.
As aesthetes venture into the Tobin Wing of the museum, a myriad of designs for the 1987 Broadway revival of “Anything Goes” can be found. In a miniature made for the show, the upper deck of a cruise ship is animated with wooden mannequins painted as an orchestra of sailors. Walton’s attention to detail is evident through golden railings and windows that peer into the ship. He further cultivated the world of “Anything Goes” through his “Costume design for Reno Sweeney,” which flawlessly captures the character’s sultry demeanor.
More maquettes for the many musicals Walton worked on line the Tobin Wing. The set model for “A Christmas Carol” transports viewers into the winter wonderland of London, while “Maquette for ‘A Day in Hollywood,’ Act I” utilizes Chinese designs accompanied with 1930’s Hollywood aesthetics to create a theatre inside a theatre.
Walton created worlds that keep turning for theatre lovers to glimpse into, thanks to the curated collection of his works at the McNay Art Museum. “Tony Walton: Designer of Dreams” will remain on display in the Brown Gallery and Tobin Wing until Aug. 23. Art seekers can visit for free on Thursdays from 4-9 p.m. and the first Sunday of each month from 12-5 p.m.
For those who cannot attend during free hours, the McNay is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. General admission for adults is $23, but students can get in at a discounted $18 with a valid college ID.
