Behind the Scenes: Creating the Costumes

For the Brolga Theatre’s head costume designer, Margaret Richter, the opening show of their community productions is akin to childbirth.

The Brolga musical Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz opens in June with a cast of seven principal characters, 22 supporting characters and an ensemble of 30 to 40 members.

Margaret said Wicked was massive with costumes because the actors had three or four each and nearly all had to be made.

“Wicked is a spin-off from The Wizard of Oz. You still have the witches, the Emerald City people and Munchkins, but they all have different costumes. 

“Previously, we’ve watched movies to see what’s needed but there isn’t a Wicked movie.”

Margaret and her crew, all volunteers, are busy researching previous live performances of Wicked. Once they see the costumes, they find patterns to adapt and start creating. 

“Costume designing is a lot of fun, but it can also be frustrating,” Margaret said.

“I’m still working as a teacher aide so I come in after school and on weekends; we also take hand sewing home at night.” 

Margaret has been the Brolga’s head costume designer since Rhonda Richers left the role about 13 years ago. 

“The first sewing I did at the Brolga was with Rhonda for Oklahoma. We’ve since done The Wizard of Oz, Music Man, Mary Poppins, and My Fair Lady, among others.”

Story & Photo: Jocelyn Watts

Wicked: The Untold Story of the Wicked of Oz will appear at the Brolga Theatre for 3 shows only Friday 18 & Saturday 19 June.

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From the Winter Edition of Scene magazine. Read the magazine in full online or grab a copy from your favourite venue.