5 months inbetween blogs? I apologize. I can only blame my lack of a place to write from (resolved) and the crazy busyness here at Harlequin over the past few months. But now as we enter our (slightly) less busy season, it seemed like the perfect time to look back and reflect.
I'll start at the beginning and when i come to the end i'll stop. (Alice in Wonderland - Mad Hatter)
Our local Gilbert & Sullivan society's annual production this year featured Patience: Bunthorne's Bride. It ran from April 28th to May 1st at the Pantages. I have to admit, when I first started here I was not a G&S fan, I blame my generation. However, after this production I now consider myself fully converted. It was fantastic! Hilarious! And naturally beautifully costumed. Our costume head and guru Jan Malabar decided it was time to shake things up and make some lovely new dresses for the lovesick maidens. Lavender, yellow, green and oak flowed across the stage. Even our poets received a breathe of fresh air, with some lovely brocade knickers, and new cuffs and collars. Unfortunately, I do not have new photos to direct you to.
After that we did the Brothers Grimm for the Little Opera Company (May 7 & 8th), another local group. Opera in one act, quite the concept. This show was lots of fun because as the story is being told the actors need to change quickly and on stage into several different characters. Check out their website for some great pics!
http://www.littleopera.ca/flash/bg_flash/bg_flash.html
Next Dry Cold productions (another Winnipeg gem) put on Light in the Piazza (May 14-16th) Set in 1950s Italy... oooooooooeeeeeeee. Goregous! The men we mostly pulled from stock, and they looked very sharp. But the ladies... my my. We only had to build a few new pieces, but they were my favourites. A light bronze silk very fitted dress suit for Melanie Whyte, a green shot with rust silk dress and hip length jacket for DonnaLynn Grills, and my absolute fav, rust orange sweetheart neckline, full skirted dress for Naomi Forman. Stunning! Hopefully we will have some photos for you soon.
Just this past June we did Yeoman of the Guard for a brand new client down in Austin, Texas. We are very pleased to have worked with this group (The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Austin) for the first time and look forward to their next show. Check out their website for some lovely photographs. My favourites are the new Wilfred Shadbolt and Sgt Meryll.
http://www.gilbertsullivan.org/
And Finally we are up to CURRENT projects! Mr.Danny Schur is once again running Strike! The Musical at Canwest Performing Arts Centre. This is a must see for all Winnipeggers. Not only is it a part of our history but a beautiful love story is worked in there too ;) The costumes reflect a cross section of classes in Winnipeg in 1919. While we have done this show several times, and there alot of return cast members, there are always some interesting new changes and challenges. Take a look at the website for info on where to get your tickets and more importantly costume photos from previous years!
http://www.strikemusical.com/strike/main.asp?P=2D4U26STRU1
That's about all from the costume shop for now, but don't forget Fringe is rapidly approaching so don't forget to go out and support local (and international) talent!!
