Music
TMG in “Broke B*tch”
Tiny Meat Gang is the parody rap duo consisting of famous YouTubers Noel Miller and Cody Ko. While the music project began as tongue and cheek, their songs became non-ironically popular. Their latest hit, “Broke B*tch,” has been deemed one of their best with over 22 million listens on Spotify. Its music video garnered 9.4 million views, and has been highly praised for its concept and editing. Not only did Noel Miller rap and star in the video — he also directed it! The two comedians discussed their lyrics to “Broke B*tch” in a Genius Verified video, which is funny given they’ve poked fun at that series in their commentary collabs.
Natasha Rostova from Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812
Natasha Rostova is one of the protagonists in the electropop opera Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Based on a part of Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace, the musical revolves around the affair between Natasha Rostova and Anatole Kuragin. Described as “young” in the “Prologue,” Natasha starts as a naive and optimistic girl. Her fiancee, Andrei, is away fighting in the war, and Natasha misses him dearly. Upon attending the opera, she becomes charmed by the dashing Anatole. The two begin an affair and plan to elope, leading to her fall from grace. Natasha becomes an outcast, like Pierre Bezukhov, who she then turns to for comfort. While not in the musical, the novel ends with their marriage. Denee Benton played this role on Broadway. Her understudy, Shoba Narayan, made history as the first South Asian woman in a leading role on Broadway. Phillipa Soo, who went on to play Eliza Schuyler in Hamilton, originated the role off-Broadway.
Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana was the celebrity persona/alter ego of pop singer Miley Cyrus. She had her own show on Disney Channel, which revolved around Miley Stewart, a normal high schooler, by day and Hannah, a teen pop sensation, by night. Some of her famous songs include “Best of Both Worlds,” “Rock Star,” and “Nobody’s Perfect.” Her massive success resulted in two movies: one following her concert and the other as a conclusion to the show. She is known for her signature blonde wig. Later on, she made music as both Hannah and Miley, before just going by Miley. This makes a great throwback or Disney nostalgia costume.
Catherine Parr from SIX! The Musical
Catherine Parr is a historical figure and character in SIX the Musical. She is the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII who survived. Her song “I Don’t Need Your Love” is a R&B ballad about having to abandon her feelings for Thomas Seymour to dutifully accept Henry’s proposal. It turns into an anthem for how she doesn’t need either of their love. In the show’s plot, Parr is the one who found the other queens and formed a pop band. Maiya Quansah-Breed starred in the original UK tour and Anne Uzele originated the role on Broadway. Use the blue holo vinyl and studded trim on the top and leggings. Want more queendom? Check out our Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard tutorials!
Elvis Presley
Everyone knows Elvis. His full name is Elvis Aaron Presley and he was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Dubbed the “King of Rock and Roll,” he is one of the most significant pop culture icons of the 20th century and in American history. With hits like “Hound Dog” and “Blue Suede Shoes,” Elvis shocked the nation with his loud sound and swinging hips. While he also acted in some films, such as Love Me Tender, he is the best selling solo music artist of all time. This costume guide offers two of his signature looks: his jumpsuit from the Aloha from Hawaii tour and his more casual outfit from Jailhouse Rock.
Charlie Price from Kinky Boots
Charlie Price is the protagonist of the movie turned Broadway musical, Kinky Boots. After his father dies, he inherits the family shoe factory, but he isn’t ready to assume the responsibility, especially as profits look bleak. While seeking a new market, he encounters a group of muggers harassing a woman. Charlie intervenes but gets knocked unconscious, and the woman ends up saving him. Turns out that woman is Lola, the drag queen who headlines her own show, yet can’t fit into women’s boots. The two create a whole new line of shoes made for drag queens, fittingly called “kinky boots”, with Lola as the designer. Their partnership helps Charlie overcome dealing with his father’s legacy, which leads to their shared success. Stark Sands originated the role on Broadway. Celebrities such as American Idol winner David Cook and Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie have also stepped into the role — or should we say, stepped into the kinky boots!
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is an American singer/songwriter. From “Love Story” to “You Belong with Me,” her songs narrate her personal and romantic life. She started out as a country singer, but her current music fits more of the pop genre. Taylor is one of the world’s best selling music artists and the highest earning female musician of the 2010s. Some of her hit albums include Red, Speak Now, 1989, and her most recent album, Lover. As most musicians, Taylor’s style has evolved throughout the years, so we have three looks from each era of her career. You can go classic country pop with her long hair and cowboy boots, Red style with a black fedora and red flats, or a modern T-Swift with a glittery dress.
Judge Turpin from Sweeney Todd
Judge Turpin is the main antagonist in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He is a corrupt judge who falsely convicts Benjamin Barker/Sweeney Todd to be with his wife. Unable to withstand his abuse, she poisons herself, and the judge takes custody of her daughter. When she turns sixteen, he offers his hand in marriage, and she refuses. The mistreatment of his family is Todd’s main motive for murder and revenge. In the Tim Burton adaptation, Alan Rickman (aka Professor Severus Snape) plays the crooked character.
Jonathan Bree
Guitarist and music producer Jonathan Bree is known for his frequent collaborations with fellow New Zealand artist Princess Chelsea (such as “The Cigarette Duet”). His solo work as a musician is just as entertaining and bizarre, as he hides his entire behind a white mask and wears very Beatle-esque clothing for his onstage ensemble.
Mrs. Nellie Lovett from Sweeney Todd
Mrs. Nellie Lovett is a main character in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. She runs a pie shop, but she claims she serves the “worst pies in London.” When Benjamin Barker/Sweeney Todd visits, she comes up with the idea to turn his victims into pies. Mrs. Lovett becomes infatuated with Mr. Todd and plans to live a happy, married life with him, but he kills her when it’s revealed she hid information about his ex-wife. She’s rather eccentric and psychopathic, but she serves as comic relief. Helena Bonham Carter plays the role in the Tim Burton movie, which inspired this costume guide. Sew the red trim on the blouse for that pop of color, and style your hair with a teasing comb and hair spray.