“On Production Design” with Dean Taucher of The Sopranos

MoMI welcomes acclaimed production designer Dean Taucher, who will present an inside look at the craft of building story worlds for the screen. In this illustrated talk, Taucher will share and discuss images of his set designs for television series including The Sopranos, Law & Order: SVU, and more, offering insight into the research, collaboration, and practical problem-solving that shape television environments. The conversation is moderated by CBS News anchor Carissa Lawson. Afterwards, join Taucher for a tour of MoMI’s exhibition Stories and Set Designs for The Sopranos, which features Taucher’s work (ticket purchase required, which includes Museum admission). 

Schedule of Activities 

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Conversation with Dean Taucher (free with RSVP; limited seating, first come, first served) 

2:30 p.m. – Tour of Stories and Set Designs for The Sopranos with Dean Taucher (RSVP and museum admission required) 

Special Guests: 

Dean Taucher is a renowned production and set designer for theater, dance, opera, television, and film. Among many projects, Taucher was the production designer for Season 1 of HBO’s The Sopranos, responsible for many of the show’s iconic sets. His television career flourished with over twenty seasons of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit at NBC, as well as three seasons on FOX’s New York Undercover. 

Taucher’s career began in Chicago’s vibrant Off-Loop theater community, where he contributed to a number of prominent theaters. In 1979, he relocated to New York City, where membership in United Scenic Artists Local 829 opened doors to Broadway’s biggest productions, including 42nd Street, Evita, and Cats, as well as Season 5 of Saturday Night Live at NBC. His transition to film began with Michael Mann’s Manhunter, after which Mann hired him as production designer for Season 3 of Miami Vice and for L.A. Takedown. He later worked with Dick Wolf on CBS’s H.E.L.P. 

In addition to television and film, Taucher designed several Off-Broadway plays and has a long-standing partnership with director/choreographer Gabrielle Lansner. Their current film, I AM NOT OK, was featured in The Brooklyn Museum’s 200th Anniversary Show. 

Dean Taucher’s debut as a playwright, Movies TV Mayhem, is a satirical exploration of the chaotic and absurd world of entertainment production. Drawing on Taucher’s experiences, the play offers a riotous exposé of the unique quirks and motivations in show business. The play opens April 23 at Theater Row. 

Carissa Lawson is an award-winning contributing news anchor for CBS News. After working her way up the news ranks in various television markets, she accomplished her goal of returning to the greater New York City area while working for News 12 New Jersey as the Lead Morning Anchor. There she earned two Emmy nominations, one for a story that aired in her popular celebrity segment. She then landed her current role on the national news stage with CBS News.