Broadway’s Costume Maestro: An Interview with Linda Cho
As a lifelong theater enthusiast, I’ve always been in awe of the magical transformations that happen on stage – from sweeping ballgowns to cutting-edge sci-fi ensembles. So when I had the chance to sit down with Tony Award-winning costume designer Linda Cho, I jumped at the opportunity to unpack her creative process and learn about her favorite Broadway costume designs.
Cho shared that for her, the theater is a true passion, “If I could have any career in the world, it would be what I do now.” Her infectious enthusiasm is palpable as she describes the “adrenaline rush of first dress rehearsal” and the “privilege and joy” of bringing a production to life.
“Every show is a unique challenge,” Cho explained. “My approach varies depending on the era, the input of the actors, the source material, and what just feels right on stage.” From the exquisite period pieces of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder to the modern glamour of Anastasia, Cho’s designs have the power to transport audiences to entirely new worlds.
One of the keys to Cho’s success, she believes, is her ability to collaborate effectively with the other members of the creative team. “I love interacting with interesting personalities and finding ways to visually convey the meaningful messaging of our stories,” she said. This collaborative spirit allows Cho to seamlessly integrate her costume designs with the overall aesthetic of a production.
Reinventing the Wheel: Costume Design Innovation
Of course, designing for the musical stage isn’t just about creating beautiful costumes – it’s also about constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. As mask maker Tara Cariaso eloquently expressed, “for any one production, theatre designers bring a production to life, transporting an audience to worlds near and far. It’s a challenging feat… but for many Broadway designers, a life in the theatre involves re-inventing the wheel again and again, remaining inspired through a vast career.”
This sentiment resonates strongly with me. Costume designers like Cho aren’t just crafting garments – they’re using their imagination and technical expertise to bring the director’s vision to life in ways that captivate and delight the audience. It’s a feat of pure theatrical magic.
One of the most fascinating aspects of costume design innovation, in my opinion, is the way designers are rethinking traditional approaches to character and storytelling. Cariaso’s work with Faction of Fools Theatre Company is a prime example of this. By moving away from the stereotypical features of classical commedia dell’arte masks and instead focusing on archetypal qualities and emotional expression, Cariaso has found a way to make the form more inclusive and representative of today’s diverse world of performers.
“Traditionally Commedia masks center historical features present in the masks hundreds of years ago,” Cariaso explained. “We’ve broken from that tradition and are re-configuring Commedia dell’arte for contemporary artists.” This commitment to social justice and representation is truly inspiring, and it’s the kind of innovative thinking that I believe will continue to shape the future of costume design.
Costume Design as Storytelling
Of course, costume design isn’t just about pushing boundaries – it’s also a fundamental part of the storytelling process. As the University of Georgia’s production of Little Shop of Horrors demonstrated, costumes can be used to convey character, establish time period, and even foreshadow plot developments.
In that production, the costume designer’s choices played a pivotal role in bringing the campy, B-movie aesthetic to life. The flamboyant, colorful ensembles of the street urchins, for example, instantly established their role as the Greek chorus of the piece, while the prim, conservative attire of Audrey and Orin Scrivello, DDS hinted at the darker undercurrents of the story.
But costume design isn’t just about visual storytelling – it also has the power to shape the actors’ performances in profound ways. As the Musical Theater Center emphasizes, “the costume can become an extension of the actor, informing their movement, posture, and even their emotional connection to the character.”
I’ve seen this firsthand in productions I’ve attended. When an actor slips into a beautifully crafted costume, it’s as if they’re suddenly imbued with a new sense of confidence, authority, or vulnerability. The costume becomes part of their very being, shaping their physical and emotional interpretation of the role.
The Art of Collaboration
Of course, bringing a costume design from concept to reality is no easy feat. It requires a remarkable level of collaboration between the designer, the actors, the director, and a whole host of skilled artisans.
As Cariaso noted, “collaboration between the actor and the designer creates more opportunities for representation and tangibly connects the creative spirit of the actor with the emotive face of the character.” This exchange of ideas and perspectives is crucial, as it ensures that the final costume not only looks visually stunning, but also authentically reflects the character and their journey.
For Cho, this collaborative spirit is essential to her work. “I love interacting with interesting personalities and finding ways to visually convey the meaningful messaging of our stories,” she told me. This open and iterative design process allows Cho to truly bring the director’s vision to life, while also leaving room for the actors to contribute their own unique insights and interpretations.
It’s a delicate balance, to be sure, but when it works, the results can be truly magical. The costumes become not just a visual element, but an integral part of the performance – shaping the way the actors move, the way they interact with each other, and the way the audience experiences the story.
The Future of Costume Design
As I reflect on my conversation with Linda Cho and my research into the latest innovations in costume design, I can’t help but feel inspired and excited about the future of this art form. With designers like Cho and Cariaso pushing the boundaries and challenging traditional approaches, I believe we’re on the cusp of a new golden age of costume design.
Whether it’s using cutting-edge technologies to create breathtaking digital costumes, or rethinking the way we represent character and identity on stage, the possibilities are truly endless. And as the Musical Theater Center continues to nurture the next generation of costume designers, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
One thing is certain: the art of costume design will always be an integral part of the theatrical experience. It’s the magic that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, the mundane into the magnificent. And as long as there are creative minds like Linda Cho and Tara Cariaso pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, I know that the art of costume design will continue to captivate and inspire audiences for generations to come.
