Sweeny Todd, with its scintillating music and comedy and – don’t forget – murder. Director Andrea L. Hart has put together a dynamic cast and a fabulous creative design team.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with costume designer Lidia Hausenauer at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola. In the cozy atmosphere, with breakfast treats and coffee in hand, I was captivated by Lidia’s history as an artist and especially her ideas for tackling one of Broadway’s most innovative, entertaining and shocking productions.
Lidia’s artistic approach has been to costume and accessorize models for her art work, take photographs and refer to them as she begins to paint. One day it occurred to her that it might be fun to costume live actors. After all, Lidia grew up learning from her mother who was a professional seamstress and pattern maker.
Her first step was to take every theater production class offered at Cabrillo College, culminating in a costume design class taught by revered designers Maria Crush and Skip Epperson. Working alongside her mentor, Maria Crush, she learned how to create costumes and ornate head pieces that are eye-catching, dramatic and – equally important – functional for the actors who wear them. She was soon promoted to Assistant Costume Designer for the Cabrillo Stage productions of Hunchback of Notre Dame and In The Heights and also helped design and construct costumes for the Cabrillo College production, Sponge Bob, the Musical, with its delightfully creative under sea costumes.
Lidia has done intensive historical research on the original 1867 tales of Sweeney Todd as well as the trends and fashions of 19th century England. As she steps into the role of Costume Designer for Cabrillo Stage’s production, Lidia is creating costumes that suit the characters the actors portray and enhance Director Andrea Hart’s vision. She is honored to be working with a creative team of such high caliber and can’t wait to share this remarkable show!
Please note: This musical includes adult themes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
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Sweeney Todd performs July 17 – August 10, Thurs, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2 pm. All performances are at the Crocker Theatre on the Cabrillo College campus, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos, CA. Tickets ranging from $25 – $60 can be purchased online at www.cabrillostage.com/tickets The Box Office is open for phone 831-479-6154 and walk-up sales Thursday -Saturday, noon to 6 pm and 1 hour prior to each show. Special post-show discussion and Q&A with the creative team immediately following the Sunday matinee on July 27.
TOP PHOTO: Lidia Hasenauer shares some costume concepts at the orientation for Sweeney Todd. • Photo Credit: Bari Lee
