Reception for set designer Adler to be held at RFA Theater

RANGELEY — Leaning against a dragon next to a palm tree lying on a drawbridge, Janice Adler paused to explain her most recent set design.
“With so many acts, it has to be very organized. (We) can’t have performers tripping over props,” she said. “Help me flip this palm tree over. Look! This can be transformed into an exploding firecracker. Fabulous, that works.”

There will be an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Rangeley Friends of the Arts’ Lakeside Theater, 2493 Main St. Her creations will be on exhibit at Lakeside Contemporary Art Gallery within the theater 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Feb 25.

In the past six years, Adler has conceptualized and created more than 20 sets for RFA. From the glowing Gothic architecture of “The Addams Family” to the bright, color-blocked minimalism of “Shout,” Adler conceptualizes and builds original sets essential to the overall vision and enjoyment of each play.

February’s one-person show at the gallery is a reverie of Adler’s artistic designs and a retrospective of her contributions to the RFA. Adler came to the role of set designer at the RFA through the encouragement of friends. With her fine arts and design education, she successfully operated her own interior design business before retiring to Rangeley. Soon after, she discovered the RFA and its dedicated community of artists, performers and volunteers. True to the hard-working spirit of the organization, she donates her time and resources, producing original environments that set the tone and frame the stage for RFA’s live performances.

Adler’s exhibit will feature storyboards, set pieces, costumes, imagined creatures and talking bubbles — a journey through her process inspiring outstanding theater. Selected pieces will be raffled, with proceeds to benefit RFA and the Rangeley Public Library.
For more information on schedules and programs, visit www.rangeleyarts.org or call 207-864-5000.