Adding Class with Sugar Glass

Hey everyone!

As opening night (May 1st) draws nearer, more and more is being added to the show to improve the production, and here's an inside look at one thing that is sure to enhance the performance!

A few days ago, some of the set designers developed what will be the source of one of the coolest effects of The Front Page: sugar glass. The sugar glass will be used to make windows, "but with a twist" said Mia Rickenbach, the creator.

But first off, let's discuss what sugar glass really is and how to make it.

Sugar glass is made of a pure form of sugar called Isomalt, derived from beet roots, and this is combined with other ingredients to make a clear glass-like substance (opposed to an amber color when regular sugar is used). This tip came from research on makeyourownmolds.com and from the past when The Front Page was last performed at Chantilly.

The process of making sugar glass is slightly complicated. This is Mia's step-by-step "recipe":
"For each pan, use 10 cups of Isomalt and about 2 cups of distilled water and mix those until it comes to a boil (at around 220°). Check with a thermometer every once and a while until it reaches 333°. Then take it off the heat and wait until it reaches 338°

Then, dunk the bottom of the pot in water to stop the cooking process and put it in an oven at 290°
Leave it in the oven for at least 15 minutes so the bubbles can rise out of the mixture.

"We had to pre-build and paint the window so we could use it as a mold. I layed out layers of heavy duty aluminum foil and then set the frame on top of it and fold the aluminum over the edges.
Then I poured the mixture into the mold and waited!"

7 total windows have to be made for the show. Some of the biggest challenges faced were making all of the windows in a short amount of time and transporting the windows to the set without them breaking. Another concern is the safety of the windows if they were to break, which is likely considering that they are very fragile. Luckily, Chantilly's culinary academy class has offered to allow Mia to use their kitchen to alleviate some stresses of space and transportation.

Now that you know all about sugar glass, you should come see the show to see exactly what it will be used for; we assure you that you won't be disappointed!