Costumers at the Peacock Performing Arts Center have their work cut out for them as they put together attire for the comedy, “Out of Order.” Volunteers Diana Lappin, Landi Marrella and Patty Callahan are enthusiastic about the task.
“Costuming a contemporary show is easier than period shows because the clothing is more readily available and we can pull from the actors’ own wardrobes, which helps their comfort level when they are on stage,” said Lappin. “We do have challenges with color and fit. We may have the costume for a role but it’s the wrong size or color or the color doesn’t look good on a particular actor. This is where our resourcefulness and creativity come into play.”
Marrella noted that modern-day costumes present the challenge of definition. “A period piece is easily recognizable as Victorian or early Western. Modern dress tends to blur together after the 1970s, at least for me. I want to put something on the characters that people will recognize. It’s the ‘Oh my goodness, I wore those’ effect. Be it jeans, shoulder pads, leather jackets — it’s something that connects them to the story.”
New to the Peacock is Callahan, who moved to Murphy from Philadelphia, where she garnered costuming experience in the dance community. From “Nutcracker” and recital costumes to teaching adult sewing classes, Callahan is never far from her sewing machine.
“The challenge is finding the fine line between the costume and real life,” she said. “It should be a bit exaggerated to make a statement on stage without looking too extreme. For example, if we need a blanket to cover the body, should it be red to be a focal point on the stage or should it be a neutral-color hotel blanket?”
The crew welcomes Callahan to the set. Marrella said, “It's great to have a new member on the team. We enjoy Patty's fresh perspective and energy.”
“Out of Order” runs March 6-8 and 13-15 at the Peacock, 301 Church St., Hayesville. Friday/Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Note the new times. Seating is reserved and tickets are on sale now: $22 for adults, $9 for students, with group discounts available. To purchase tickets, visit the office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays; call (828) 389-2787; visit the website: www.thepeacocknc.org or stop by Tiger's Mercantile on the square. Season packages are still available.