Unveiling the Sartorial Secrets of the Stage
As a lifelong theater enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the intricate costumes that bring our favorite musical characters to life. From the flowing gowns of Eliza Doolittle to the sleek ensembles of the Phantom’s chorus, these wardrobes don’t just dress the actors – they tell a story all their own. That’s why I’m thrilled to take you behind the curtain and explore the costume chronicles of some of the most iconic musical theater productions.
Dressing the Diva: The Couture Creations of “Les Misérables”
Let’s start with one of the most revered musicals of all time – Les Misérables. As any theater aficionado knows, the costumes in this show are nothing short of breathtaking. And for Kristine Reese, who had the honor of making her Broadway debut in the 2006 revival, the experience of donning those meticulously crafted ensembles was truly life-changing.
“I finally felt like I had made it when I got that call,” Kristine reminisces. “The costumes were just so…magical. Every time I slipped into that gown, I could feel the weight of the character’s journey, the grandeur of the era, the resilience of the human spirit. It was like putting on a piece of history.”
Indeed, the costumes in Les Mis are more than just fancy frocks – they’re a vital component of the storytelling. Take Fantine’s iconic tattered dress, for instance. As Kristine explains, “That dress wasn’t just a costume piece; it was a symbol of her fallen status, her struggle, her determination to protect her daughter. Every thread, every stain, every fraying edge spoke volumes.”
Defying Gravity: The Iconic Wardrobe of “Wicked”
Of course, no discussion of musical theater costumes would be complete without mentioning the emerald-hued extravaganza that is Wicked. As Kristine recounts, she had the privilege of donning the iconic Nessarose ensemble during her time with the Emerald City tour.
“Walking out on stage in that purple beaded dress, I felt like a million bucks,” she gushes. “It was the perfect blend of glamour and comfort – exactly what you need when you’re belting your heart out eight times a week.” But Kristine’s Wicked wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without the character’s signature accessory: the wheelchair.
“That wheelchair was a work of art,” Kristine marvels. “The designers really thought of everything, from the intricate metalwork to the plush upholstery. It was a testament to the level of detail that goes into bringing these stories to life.”
Pippin’s Posh Pageantry: Costuming a Cirque-Inspired Spectacle
Of course, Kristine’s costume chronicles wouldn’t be complete without a nod to her time with the tour of Pippin, the visually stunning reimagining of the classic musical. And as she explains, the costumes in this production were a true feast for the senses.
“The purple beaded dress I wore as Catherine was just gorgeous – the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. But my favorite has to be the cirque-inspired ensemble I donned for the finale. The feathers, the sequins, the vibrant colors…it was like wearing a work of art.”
Kristine’s enthusiasm is palpable as she recounts the process of transforming into these iconic characters. “The costuming process is so much more than just throwing on a pretty dress,” she explains. “It’s about finding the essence of the character, channeling their journey, and using the wardrobe to amplify that storytelling.”
Navigating the Trials of Touring Life
Of course, the life of a traveling performer isn’t all glitz and glamour. As Kristine can attest, the rigors of life on the road can take a toll, even on the most seasoned thespian.
“The actual touring part of the job is so much easier since we are together,” she says, referring to her husband Billy, a fellow Broadway alum. “We both have our roles and responsibilities, and we help each other manage the touring life. It can be very lonely on the road, but we thankfully don’t have to deal with that part of it.”
But even with the support of her partner, Kristine admits that the constant upheaval of touring can be a challenge. “The travel days are never quick or easy, and packing every Sunday night is a pain. And then there’s the whole process of getting settled in a new dressing room, navigating the sound in the theater, and figuring out the food situation. It’s enough to make your head spin!”
Yet, for Kristine, the rewards of the job far outweigh the trials. “When you’ve really done the work, it just happens. And it feels exciting and liberating. I need it like I need air to breathe.”
The Art of Embodying the Character
Indeed, Kristine’s passion for her craft is palpable, and it’s a passion that extends far beyond the costumes themselves. As she explains, the true magic happens when the wardrobe and the performance converge.
“I just love going in on the creative process, embodying a character, living in their skin,” she says. “When you’ve really done the work, you don’t have to think about it – it just happens. And that’s when the costume becomes a true extension of the character, a physical manifestation of their journey.”
For Kristine, this process of transformation is a deeply personal one, one that she’s experienced time and time again throughout her illustrious career. “Whether it’s the tattered dress of Fantine or the regal gown of Catherine, each costume carries its own unique energy, its own story to tell. And when you put it on, you can feel that story coming to life.”
The Enduring Power of Musical Theater Costumes
As I listen to Kristine’s tales of the stage, I’m struck by the enduring power of musical theater costumes. These aren’t just fancy frocks – they’re vessels for storytelling, physical embodiments of the characters and their journeys. And in the hands of skilled designers and performers, they become something truly magical.
“These costumes, they’re not just clothes,” Kristine muses. “They’re a part of the fabric of the show, woven into the very heart of the story. And when you put them on, you can feel that energy, that history, that legacy – it’s like stepping into a piece of living art.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with me, and I can’t help but feel a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes of the musical theater world – the costume designers, the dressers, the stitchers, the artisans whose work so often goes unnoticed. But thanks to Kristine’s captivating tales, I now understand that their contributions are every bit as vital as the performances we cherish on stage.
So the next time you find yourself enthralled by the grandeur of a Les Mis gown or the sparkle of a Wicked ensemble, remember the stories that lie beneath the surface. Because in the world of musical theater, the costumes aren’t just pretty – they’re the beating heart of the show.
