“Pygmalion”

With simple set design rooted in black & white clothing was used to help set the mood/tone from scene to scene.

For Pygmalion, I sought out thrifted base pieces that could be restyled with overlays and fabric to reflect the fashion of early 1900 England and a recent Broadway production of My Fair Lady. Early designs highlighted pastel colors, flower accents and use of accessories such as gloves and hats.

With minimized scenery, I was given the freedom to mark both time and development with costume choices and color. From the traditional flower seller look in Act 1, Eliza goes through a metamorphosis with accessories to document each phase of her instruction.

In the final scene, red shoes marked her physical departure from the red-tied Professor to convey he would always be a part of her story.

Early sketching and watercolor work for Eliza

Pygmalion was mounted with a cast of 8 requiring minor actors to play multiple parts. Produced with only one intermission, changes needed to be obvious yet simple to execute.

The transition between society lady Mrs. Eynsford-Hill to housekeeper Mrs. Pearce and back to Eynsford-Hill was easily accomplished with a simple skirt change. In similar fashion, changes in coats and hats provided definite contrast for the actor playing Freddy and Doolittle.

This was also my first costuming job where I was able to use the techniques I learned from a Texas Thespian Festival workshop.