Costume Designs for Pirates of Penzance
An Operetta by Gilbert & Sullivan presented by Prairie Players Civic Theatre in Galesburg, IL
An Operetta by Gilbert & Sullivan presented by Prairie Players Civic Theatre in Galesburg, IL
Costume Designer: Franzesca Mayer
Assistant Costume Designer: Miranda Loeber
Costume Crew: Lenda Brandis and Margo Shively
Gilbert and Sullivan were the original Parker and Stone (of Book of Mormon and SouthPark); they make fun of everything and everyone. I wanted the costumedesigns to incorporate this timeless sense of humor. I started with a collageof classic pirates. Going all the way back to the golden age of pirates, thePirate King stands on the froofiest end of the 1700's buccaneer with his piratecronies spanning the spectrum from swashbuckling adventurer to Easternmarauders. The Victorian era blends into the band with elements like spats andlace-up boots. This motley crew was juxtaposed with the daughters and themodern Major General. On the mainland, they stand strongly--no sea legs---withhigh Victorian necklines and sleek vertical internal line detail. The sillinessof the show is maintained with a blurry line between the bustle era andVictorian England. The costumes follow the tone of the music: over the top andtaking historical liberties to emphasize the spectacle. Ultimately, this is ashow about making fun and having fun.
Directed by Kurt Killam.
Prairie Players Civic Theatre at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, IL
June 20-22, 2012
Assistant Costume Designer: Miranda Loeber
Costume Crew: Lenda Brandis and Margo Shively
Gilbert and Sullivan were the original Parker and Stone (of Book of Mormon and SouthPark); they make fun of everything and everyone. I wanted the costumedesigns to incorporate this timeless sense of humor. I started with a collageof classic pirates. Going all the way back to the golden age of pirates, thePirate King stands on the froofiest end of the 1700's buccaneer with his piratecronies spanning the spectrum from swashbuckling adventurer to Easternmarauders. The Victorian era blends into the band with elements like spats andlace-up boots. This motley crew was juxtaposed with the daughters and themodern Major General. On the mainland, they stand strongly--no sea legs---withhigh Victorian necklines and sleek vertical internal line detail. The sillinessof the show is maintained with a blurry line between the bustle era andVictorian England. The costumes follow the tone of the music: over the top andtaking historical liberties to emphasize the spectacle. Ultimately, this is ashow about making fun and having fun.
Directed by Kurt Killam.
Prairie Players Civic Theatre at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, IL
June 20-22, 2012