Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Final Dress

       Final Dress means this is the last chance I have to see the costumes before the public does.  This is an exciting night.  Last night went pretty well.  The make up crew actually showed up, so we had make up on the actors - a huge help when one of them needs fangs and pointy ears, when one needs to burn, and there is blood on several occasions.  All the costumes I have put together for this show are great - if I do say so myself!  There is a patina of  "dinge" over everything since this is set in a coal mining town.  The Bat Boy looks wonderful, is creating an endearing and frightening character, and is one of the most gracious, patient actors I have ever had the delight to work with. Pan looks great - thank heaven for men with hairy chests - the real stuff looks so much better than trying to paint it on with make up! 
     There are animal costumes in the show which I did not design - our scenic designer has a past history  of working with body  puppets (similar to mine), so when she really wanted this project - I gave it to her, since a) she is also my department chairperson, and b) as I have already discussed, I am over the "fun" of working with fake fur (or real fur for that matter!). The animals that are complete are very nice - how often do you see a moose costume on stage, really?  There are a few yet to be completed - a few tails and even faces not finished, and this always worries me.  I really like to see the whole show before the audience does.  I hate last minute additions that have not been rehearsed with...keep your fingers crossed.
    All this being said, I have to give a shout out to our actors - they are college students and they are very talented, incredibly well trained, and very dedicated to this project. Ray Delaney who plays the Bat Boy is doing wonderful work.  The seniors in the show will be sorely missed.  Look for these names on Broadway one day, Kari Crimmons, Colin Henehan, Trista Hoyt. 
     Am I gushing? Yes, but it is always such a pleasure when I get to work with such a talented cast, and when the show really comes together - it is a joy!  Thanks to all the men and women on the cast and crew who made this such a fun production!

1 comment:

  1. Yay! I so love that feeling when it all comes together and you can feel proud of it. I am in tech now and had a great first dress last night myself. Congrats!

    Btw, what do you use for the soot coloration on things?

    ReplyDelete