The Producers' primary competition for the scenic design Tony is widely considered to be the revival of 42nd Street, another show-about-showbiz musical that invites splashy work.

        Set designer Douglas Schmidt is a native Cincinnatian raised in Mount Lookout, although he hasn't lived here since he went off to boarding school decades ago as a lad. He does come back for family weddings.

        Mr. Schmidt has designed more than 200 productions in the last 30 years. His credits include Over Here!, They're Playing Our Song, Romantic Comedy and the original Grease.

        Chatting by phone from his San Francisco home, Mr. Schmidt isn't putting any money on his Tony chances. “The Producers seems to have the awards pretty much bagged,” he says philosophically. “I've never seen anything like it.”

        Next up for Mr. Schmidt is a design for Sante Fe Opera.

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