those unflattering costumes in COMPANY

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 8:22am

I much enjoyed this production, especially the focus put on Bobby, thanks to Mr. Esparza under Mr. Doyle's careful attn. And the overall look -- the black and white palatte. But Hould-Ward's costumes are bizarre to me, and do little to make the case that the show takes place in 2006 NYC.

The worst: Barbara Walsh. So much has been made of her more youthful demeanor, the sexual tension more real since she doesn't read decades older, as per some Joannes. But what the hell is she wearing? She's my age, Walsh, yet sports nothing any baby boomer would ever put on. She wears some sort of pajama/tuxedo ensemble with glitter and garish jewels that only a 65 year old matron in Florida would adorn. Or a tasteless mother at SOPRANOS wedding. It so doesn't suggest upper east side elegance and taste. Has anyone ever seen a monied lady who lunch in NY dressed thusly? In her 50s? It does nothing to help Doyle's take on the character. And her husband wears a velvet jacket that makes him look like a Vegas emcee.

And then Ms. Stanley's April get-up. With the hair-do and the shapeless suit, she looks like an Aeroflot Stewardess,circa 1980. A flight attendant outfit is the stuff of fantasy, and this one drabs her down and makes her look like an airline ticket salesperson.

The original DD. Ryan designs were offbeat but chic and reeked of NY. Remember Susan Browning's Braniff-esque stew suit? Wonderful and sexy.

This show cried out for William Ivy Long, or maybe a non-theatrical designer who'd put a contemporary wash on it. After seeing her crass rags in MIMI LE DUCK, and now COMPANY, I am no longer a fan of Ms. Hould Ward. She doesn't seem to want to help actors illustrate character, or just look good.

Updated On: 12/4/06 at 08:22 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 10:25am

Heh!

The only one that really bugs me is Susan's, with those odd stripes. But some of them have become gaudier in the transfer. They were plainer in Cincy, but in some cases a bit more elegant IN their simplicity.

Are we really supposed to say it takes place in '06, though? I kind of feel like it just... is. You know, floating in some undefined period. =P

I'm glad you enjoyed it, though!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 10:26am

Auggie, you haven't seen INTO THE WOODS? Although perhaps being partnered with the great Pat Zipprodt kept her in check on that one.

Updated On: 12/4/06 at 10:26 AM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 10:56am

I agree, Rath, the INTO THE WOODS costumes were definitive. And yeah, Zipprodt was a one and only (and I once got to have drinks with her, through a friend. Great lady.) I am not knocking Hould-Ward's talent, just her odd take on contemporary fashion.

Please, someone else whose seen the show -- talk to me about Barbara Walsh's ensemble. It's just garish and entirely contrary to the casting. I came home and dug out my pictures of the original production.

Elaine in a coctail dress that if worn today would work perfectly -- better than that oddity, sort of VICTOR VICTORIA meets Karen Aker's outfit in GRAND HOTEL. No matter when the show takes place, it ain't pretty.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 10:58am

Auggie, I was lucky enough to work on a couple of shows with her. She was indeed delightful!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 11:00am

i keep waiting for someone to remark that "SUSAN"s southern accent seems to be based on "SALLY CATO" from the lucille ball version of MAME

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 11:20am

Auggie, just for you, I am going to "get petty."

Barbara Walsh's costume in COMPANY reminds me of something a former secretary of mine used to wear in the mid-80's. I mean no disrespect (and again I know this is going to sound catty and condescending, so I apologize), but this woman dressed as though she did all her shopping at one of those "Everything $10" clothing stores.

She was a good typist though.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 11:20am

Perhaps you should have paid her above minimum wage!

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 11:24am

I can definitely understand the complaints about Joanne and Larry's costumes. I really like the pantsuit idea for Joanne and think it's totally appropriate, but they went quite overboard with the gaudy sequins. I understand that Joanne's kind of garish and over the top, but it's just overkill. I also hate Larry's jacket. Perhaps the implication is that they're "new money" and somewhat tackier, or something like that?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 11:24am

are the other men (besides ROBERT) traditonally bland?
it seems like only the women characters had personality.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 11:27am

Okay, Rath, perhaps that explains my secretary's choice in clothing, but what about Ann Hould–Ward's, hmmm?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 11:27am

She has no excuse.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 1:18pm

I'm a man obsessed, so thanks Miss Pennywise.

I picture the first sketches for the characters, and Hould Ward arriving and everyone saying "ooooh, how wonderful!" I don't get it. I suppose I'm freaking because Walsh is a contemporary of mine, and I've lived in NY for 24 years, and never saw anyone with taste looking so bizarre. Joanne's dialogue suggests cutting edge, connected to the moment. Would she wander around in high drag?

She'd dress more like Meryl in DEVIL WORE PRADA.

But Susan's get-up is creepy, too, especially for an entire evening. I think these costumes get by only because of the monochromatic scheme.

[fengshuihellnyc]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 4:18pm

As far a you praising William Ivy Long... That is sadly midplaced confidence. Mr. POISION IVEY as he is known in the world of Costumes is not very good. Many times he depends on his interns or AD's for the actual designs. Have you even ever seen one of his costume sketches. HORRID. Chicken scratches from chickens on bird flu! Mr Iven many a times is a one song bird that repeatedly copies himself and really is not very creative.

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 4:35pm

William Ivey Long has an understanding of colours and silhouettes that is unserpassed on Broadway. If it seems like he is copying his own designs, that is maybe because he is rarely given the chance to diversify. He tends to get pidgeon-holed into the "Crazy For You", "Hairspray" "Producers", "Guys and Dolls" big musical comedies...but look at his more subtle looks that he created for "The Caine Mutiny" or "6 Degrees", or even the definitive look he gave the "Chicago" revival.

Akiva

[Fenchurch]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 5:51pm

I thought those stripes were great, she looks like a double bass, its perfect.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 5:59pm

EDIT: i am dumb. never mind.
Updated On: 12/4/06 at 05:59 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:00pm

She is a flight attendant.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:03pm

wait, but Auggie said that it made her look like a flight attendent and that was not good...


never mind, lemme edit my post

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:06pm

No, Auggie is saying that the costume is ridiculous; not that it wrongly makes her look like a flight attendant.

The libretto is, yes, sitting on my desk.

Just before You Could Drive a Person Crazy, Bobby says:

"... I mean, I meet women all the time. All over the place. All you have to do is live in New York and you meet a girl a minute. And I've met some real special ladies recently. Like right now, I'm dating this flight attentdant. Cute, original... odd."

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:08pm

Sorry, I haven't seen the show yet
Would like to, and hope I can


but thanks for clearing that up, luvtheEmcee :)

sorry

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:09pm

Just didn't want you to think I was makin' it up.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:09pm

Wait, it's Susan who wears the stripes, and a strange barette in her hair.

April wears the shapeless 80s Aeroflot uniform. Look in this week's NY Magazine, with the (fairly glowing) review. Their's a photo of Raul and the charming Ms. Stanley. I stand by my take on the flight attendant uniform. Oh, give me Susan Brownings tightly fit Braniff look.

Isaac Mizrahi might've had fun with this.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:11pm

Here's the picture:



She's really, really pretty. He looks... alarmed.

Updated On: 12/4/06 at 06:11 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 6:15pm

i do like April's little flight pin.
Marta's outfit works (especially the shoes).
Jenny's sweet skirt & shrug suit her character.
I think i liked Amy instantly because of her tinkerbell hairdo & veil.

but i would agree that Joanne's suit is a little too Joan Collins.