Unique vision of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ brought to life at SUNY Fredonia

Instead of setting the production, which ends May 2 in Marvel Theatre at SUNY Fredonia, in a specific time period, Loughlin set out to “create a world for the play which blends the Elizabethan classic and traditional feel of the play with a contemporary style and look.”

Thus, a key element in Loughlin’s vision was the costumes. Costume and makeup designer Ashley Arnone, a senior BFA Theatrical Production and Design major from Jamestown, said her efforts began in November when Loughlin explained his concept for the first time.

“I was very excited about doing ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in a non-traditional way,” Arnone said. “We mixed together the post-modern and Elizabethan looks. I did a lot of research on modern, popular high-fashion. What I was looking for were things that were very popular in the fashion world today and also things that are very Elizabethan. I took these two things and mixed them together by taking the high-fashion and adding little Elizabethan touches.”

These “little touches” included the updated ruffs on the women in the show, the lacing and cords on the men’s shirts and the pants that designers turned into breeches on the ensemble and male dancers.

“I created sketches for (Mr. Loughlin), we met and changed a few things and then I created full color renderings,” Arnone said. “We were lucky enough to be able to take a trip to New York City to do our fabric shopping for this show.”

Accompanied by Assistant Professor of Costume Design Dixon Reynolds and Costume Shop Supervisor Laurel Walford, Arnone and fellow students Abby McCarthy and Jon Reilly, who are the wardrobe heads for “Romeo and Juliet,” made the New York City trip in February. They went to well-known fabric stores in the Garment District, such as M&J, Mood, Spandex House, and NY Elegant.

“Because of this trip, I got to buy some really amazing fabrics that we couldn’t have found anywhere else near home,” Arnone explained. “Juliet’s ball gown fabric is probably the most unique fabric and it is almost exactly what I imagined in my head.”

Other interesting finds, she said, were plaid spandex to make a unitard for Lady Montague and raw woven silk to make a vest for Mercutio. They also bought some really unique and different trims to make the “modern” ruffs with.

“It was a great trip and a wonderful learning experience, too,” Arnone said. “We really got a feel for what it’s like to shop a show in the Garment District of New York City.”

With materials in hand, Arnone and the costume shop crew began the effort to bring the costumes from concept to reality – the result of which is now visible on the stage.

“It’s been a great show to work on and I hope that people will come see all the hard work we’ve put into making it a really fun, exciting show to watch,” Arnone said.