WEST SIDE STORY

My first design assignment for the New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire is one of the truly great pieces of musical theatre, West Side Story. Deceptively simple, yet unfolding like a classical tragedy, West Side Story is an immensely gratifying piece, on which to work. Costuming this show proved challenging in many ways. Working with a tight palette of hot colors for the Sharks and cool colors for the Jets helps to define the two gangs and their girls. Additionally the sense that the Sharks are somewhat upwardly mobile while the Jets are mired in their poverty informs how each of the groups dress.

The Jets stake out their territory

Lt. Shrank and Officer Krupke break up the Sharks and the Jets

Tony tells Riff, "Something's Coming"

The Dance at the Gym

Maria and Tony meet and dance

Anita sketchAnita costume

Consuela sketchConsuela costume

Little Shop of Horrors

This was my second production at the New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire. They celebrated their 75th season this summer and I was honored to be a part of that historic event.

I used more shades of green in this show then I have ever used on stage before. Somehow it seemed appropriate for the setting of the skid row florist shop and it helped set the scene for a leading lady who dreams of Somewhere That's Green.

I had a lot of fun with this musical, creating a "street cred" look for the urchins who were played by three beautiful actresses, then literally seeing them blossom for the Meek Shall Inherit number near the end of the second act.

The Urchins: Crystal, Chiffon and Ronette













Bright colors, layering, contrasting textures and patterns all contribute to a energetic kinetic look for these characters

The green, pink and orange palette reappears in a more glamorous fashion during this moment from the musical number The Meek Shall Inherit.


Audrey
A skin tight leopard dress, bleached blonde hair, stilletto high heels and a glimpse of a lime green bra and yet as sweet and vulnerable as she can be.




Click on any picture in the slide show to see
larger versions, or to go to the album of photos
from Little Shop of Horrors