Tag Archives: Vegas

Just your average American family?

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I have been focusing so much on aerial and flexibility training over the past couple of years that I have had very little time to work on projects. I knew this would be the case when I closed the Poison Candy shop, however I expected that I would have managed to crank out at least a few masterpieces by now. I have declined pretty much every freelance offer in favor of swinging from the rafters, however I recently signed on for a fun costuming gig.

My friend Christopher Brown is a brilliant actor and an equally talented director. Chris introduced me to the play “HIR” by Taylor Mac over the summer and I instantly fell in love with the script. When Christopher mentioned that he would be directing the play for Cockroach Theatre, I was thrilled to come aboard as the costume designer.

Valerie Carpenter Bernstein and Tim Cummins photographed by Richard Brusky.

Good art is subjective and “HIR” is no exception. I imagine that most people who see the play walk away with a very unique perspective. Mac embraces the concept of “absurd realism”, and “HIR” is no exception. The story is an American comedic tragedy featuring a middle class family trying to navigate the ever changing culture and attempting to establish their place within it. Each character has embarked on a person journey, causing various types of clashes and sometimes disturbing revelations. “HIR” is one of those stories that tricks you into laughing only to leave you feeling like you have been emotionally dropkicked by the time it has concluded. I could theorize about the complex artistry of the production all day, however I will leave you with this great review which does a stellar job of describing the overall narrative.

The script did mention a “massive beauty pageant wig”. This is the result of two combined wigs, 14 ounces of hairspray, and approximately 3 hours of styling.

Most of the smaller shows that I have worked on have centered around glamorous performers flaunting their various attributes. It was a wonderful challenge to take on a production where my characters were more typical in some ways and completely over the top in others. I was also tasked with providing wigs which gave me an opportunity to shake the dust off of my teasing brush and drown myself in hairspray. I had a blast reacquainting myself with glamour makeup and learning how to create a believable, simple false beard. My new friend Stephanie knows every makeup trick in the book and was quick to share her extensive knowledge.

I finally had a chance to watch the show a few nights ago and I am very pleased overall. It was wonderful to sit in the audience and witness their honest reactions. The performers brought their best and I thoroughly enjoyed how Taylor Mac’s characters came alive. Much like my beloved “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”, I plan to see “HIR” performed by as many theatre companies as possible.

“I believe whole-heartedly in craft. I believe craft is essentially a commitment to learning the past, living in the present, and dreaming the culture forward.”  ~Taylor Mac

Brenna Folger and Levi Fackrell photographed by Richard Brusky.

Luck be a lady tonight!

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When I moved to Las Vegas in 2003, I never imagined that I would still be living here a decade later.  I had spent several years hopping around from one place to the next and didn’t plan on settling down anytime soon.  I’ve always loved to travel, but even when I’m having the time of my life on an exotic trip, a part of me is always a little homesick for Sin City.


I remember visiting Vegas as a kid and falling in love with the bright lights of the strip and the Flamingo hotel in particular.  I still recall looking out of the car window as we passed the gaudy pink accented structure, knowing that one day I would come back to explore all of its mysteries and nuances.  I had also developed a fascination with showgirls, so it was a particularly wonderful experience when my dad took me to see a show featuring statuesque dancers draped in feathers and rhinestone jewels.  Even as a child I knew I was witnessing something amazing that I would never forget.

 

Vegas is a decadent city and is always evolving.  For people like myself who feel a close association with the “good old days”, it’s a bittersweet experience to watch the transformation that occurs daily in this unusual town.  As much as I love seeing new and exquisite attractions, I still long for the era of seductive lounge acts and stylish chorus girls.  As a lover of the retro lifestyle, it’s these images that come to mind and inspire me constantly.

I’m incredibly thrilled to introduce the “Casino Queen” dress and “Showgirl Flower” hair clip!  I had so much fun designing a silhouette that embodied my affection for Vegas.  I’ve always been a fan of halter dresses, especially those which feature sarong style skirts.  The festive colors in the “Key To My Heart” print look stunning with the combination of pink shades in the “Showgirl Flower” hair clip.  Whether you are strutting down the glittering streets of my town or strolling the avenues of yours, this ensemble will take you back to a simpler time when big bands dominated the airwaves and curve hugging skirts graced the runways.