Sunday, August 5, 2007

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

1 comment:

Corri said...

Steven...please check out my website...I need you this summer...

Nancy Barry
www.interlakestheatre.com