Valerie L. Cavooris

I served as a co-costume designer for The Fantasticks, collaborating with designer Lisa Surkovich.  My role included, garment selection, alterations, make-up design (especially for the Mutes and aging for Henry), and maintenance during the show's run.

For The Fantasticks, my director knew exactly what he wanted; the costumes would be reminiscent of those in the original Broadway production.  The two lovers, Luisa and Matt, dressed in almost all white (or cream).  Luisa wears a pink bow on a sash and in her hair for Act 1.  The bows change to blue in Act 2 to symbolize her having been deflowered.  The Villain, El Gallo, is dressed as a Zorro-like character.  The two Fathers are a vaudeville duo.  Two women played the role of the Mute.  Both were clad in all black with white pointe shoes for their ballet routines and a black and white satchel to hold props.  One had her make-up done as the comedy mask of theatre, while the second had her make-up done as the tragedy mask of theatre.  Finally, the two old actors, Henry and Mortimer, wear long johns which are covered by various costume pieces representing the roles they play.