~Costume Suggestions*~?

Question

I'm in a play and I am Rapunzel and the evil stepmother from Cinderella. The play is "Into The Woods" by Steven Songheim.

By the way I am not so dumb, I know Rapunzel needs a lot of hair for the wig. :-)

Answer 1

You're playing both roles? But they appear onstage together at the end of both acts!

Chat with your director first before buying or making anything. It would look odd if you were dressed like a Renaissance Faire while the rest of the cast were 1920s gangsters and flappers.

The hair will be extremely heavy, so don't attach it to the wig. Rather attach it to the set (for the Witch to climb) and the back of your costume. Then style a wig to conceal the join. All that hair can look cheap if not super thick, so consider a tube covered with hair rather than just long extensions, or if the director's willing, go more cartoony and cut out locks of hair from foam.

For Rapunzel, if traditionally costumed, think nightgown. I usually see her in something very plain yet pretty, with no extra padding or flounces to make it a period dress. The Wicked Stepmother should be highly period with panniers or hoops and big puffy sleeves, overly detailed with laces and finery, just like her daughters. In the second act she's even MORE gaudy, having taken advantage of her daughter's marriage to the prince and the wealth that comes with such a marriage.

Answer 2

I just saw the play Rumplstilskin at the Monmouth theater in Maine. It was the coolest thing - only 5 actors, and a stripped down set. All but the Miller's Daughter wore black pants and t-shirts - although these 4 actors played multiple parts - by adding a single item - a hat, a scarf, a jacket they were able to quickly change roles. The play was fascinating. Rumplestilskin himself was portrayed as a garden gnome - further adding to the magic.

So I guess what I'm saying is - you can have a base costume and change out an item or two to create two seperate rolls. Maybe a purple gown as the base and add a gold lame belt and bodice lacing for Rapunzle - and swich out to black belt and lacing for the evil stepmom - maybe add a highback collar in black too.

Answer 3

Dress up like Rapunzel Edna.

Answer 4

I would check any local costume/vintage clothing shops for medieval gowns for Rapunzel. You could probably look online, as well.

For the evil stepmother, I would ask your director for suggestions.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Do you sew? Try these

http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?cat=4&type=19&sec=43&startrow=1

Wear a cape and apron for the evil stepmother, leave it fancy for rapunzel

By choice of fabrics and small alterations, you can also create costumes easily out of the long nightgown pattern

http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?cat=1&type=1&sec=3&startrow=1

Also, see 3928 for adaptation with 3765

http://www.sewingpatterns.com/index-butterick.html

Answer 6

Go to your local thirift store and find a square dancing style dress, then (because you won't find this at a thrift store) go to an adult toy store and get a corset to place on the out side of the dress. This should fit the image of the time.

Answer 7

Go to a professional costume shop in your area. If not go online to Costumes.com and type in what you are looking for. For the wig try one of those oriental owned stores they have amazing wigs and other interesting.

Answer 8

Maybe check out some costume stores around your place?

Answer 9

do the long midevil lookin dress! it never fails for plays!

Answer 10

long dresses. show no skin. Ok, maybe the bosom.