Lobster dinner

[NachoFlavoring]

Hi there! I'm new here, but I'm hoping to get some advice.

I am props master for a production of Ah Wilderness!. The problem I have is that a family of 8 sits down to a lobster dinner. I don't know how I'm going to do this. I was told by several sources to get real lobster shells and fill them with mashed potatoes. I attempted that, but the shells where just too gross and were not going to stay intact for a run. I'm thinking hollow plastic ones might do the trick, but would love some tips.

Has anyone done something similar before? Thanks.

 

[derekleffew]

Mashed potatoes (especially the "instant" kind) seem to be the goto solution for anytime food needs to be consumed onstage. One can mold/shape/sculpt, color with food coloring, them to resemble just about any foodstuff.

The first Google result for "lobster props" returns Barnard Ltd. - Products - Sea Creatures - LOBSTERS CRABS & OTHER SHELL FISH .
http://www.themedecor.com/image/Products/5279/photo
Looks more like a lobster than a prawn to me, but whatever.

See if there's a display company, restaurant, or seafood supply company in your area that might have props you could rent or borrow.

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A good Propmaster is an artful negotiator. Program mentions and comp tickets can be more valuable than money. But cash usually works too, as a last resort.

 

[Van]

I think Derek Nailed it. We did "Ah Wilderness!" 2 seasons ago and we were able to find some pretty realistic plastic lobster tails. Sliced em down the top and applied a heat gun so they would sty open. Then we mixed instant Mashed Potatos < a little on the dry side > and stuff the tails they looked perfect !

 

[NachoFlavoring]

Thank you. I was thinking plastic might work. Happy to hear that this has worked for other productions. Yay!