This design was inspired by the vibration between textures. The soft sky against the harsh metal and concrete. Crumbling brick against rusted steal. Coarse rope against velvet curtains. Early in design conversations, the "cog in the machine" idea was discussed and implemented into a more literal portal treatment. Against the 'machine' these brave young adults are fighting, are also areas of reprieve. As such, It was important to provide air and space for moments like "Santa Fe" and in Medda's Theatre.  A challenge was to make the set work for both the full newsies production (actors age 14-20) and the jr. version of the show (actors age 7-13).