musical
David Byrne from American Utopia
David Byrne’s American Utopia is a musical show that was on Broadway and released as a live recording in 2020 to HBO Max, directed by Spike Lee. In this show, Talking Heads’ David Byrne leads the way with international musicians as they put on a rock spectacle about art, openness and faith in humanity on a minimalist and bold background. Byrne performs songs you may be familiar with like Burning Down the House, Road to Nowhere, Glass, Concrete & Stone, and more.
David Byrne, like the rest of the artists on stage, wears an all-gray suit with a gray shirt-but loose enough to dance in. Pair this with a stage mic, prop brain, and leave the shoes out this time for this costume!
Mrs. Puff from the SpongeBob Musical
Mrs. Puff (played by Abby C. Smith) is a character from Spongebob the Musical. She is a pufferfish. As a teacher in Bikini Bottom, Mrs. Puff helps students like SpongeBob SquarePants learn to drive boats as a means of underwater transportation. In the Broadway musical, Mrs. Puff wears a bright blue jacket with polka dots and a pillbox hat to match. To recreate her appearance from the stage production, focus on finding a coat in your budget that has a bit of flare to the bottom. Layer it over a red petticoat skirt and blue and green striped tights. Mrs. Puff’s accessories include an oversized pearl necklace, teal gloves, and Mary Jane shoes. Finish the look with blue eyeshadow and red lipstick.
Willy Wonka from Wonka (2023)
Quiet up and listen down! There’s a new Willy Wonka in town, played by Timothee Chalamet in the new movie-musical Wonka. The original story is from the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. This new story follows a younger Wonka before he becomes who we know today from the two film adaptations where he is played by Gene Wilder and then Johnny Depp. In this new whimsical film we follow his journey into becoming a chocolatier.
Wonka’ s costume has elements that are reminiscent of both Roald Dahl’s original art and previous films. He still wears iconic pieces like the purple velvet coat, brown top hat, and walking stick. In this new costume we also see the designer playing with layering and unique patterns like the brown vest layered on top of a white pinstriped shirt, over that another blue and yellow vest, and then the coat. He also wears high waisted trousers and a patterned scarf tucked into the vest.
Miss Trunchbull from Matilda the Musical (2022)
Miss Trunchbull in the 2022 adaptation of Matilda The Musical is played by Emma Thompson. Matilda was originally a book by Roald Dahl, then made into a film, and then a Broadway musical. The 2022 film is based on the musical. With all of these different versions of the classic story, Miss Trunchbull has always remained a pretty scary character!
Miss Trunchbull wears a very military inspired costume, showing her authority and seriousness for her job, being a terrible principal. Her costume hilariously fits her attitude and personality so well- from the army green trench coat, to the special belt attachment to hold her mallet. This would make a wonderfully fun and recognizable costume!
Cynthia Zdunowski from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Cynthia Zdunowski (played by Ari Notartomaso) is one-fourth of the titular group at the heart of the prequel series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Cynthia has always dreamt of being a member of the T-birds, but isn’t allowed to join. The Pink Ladies are born when Cynthia joins with friends Nancy, Olivia, and Jane. Cynthia often wears trousers and favors more loose-fitting silhouettes than other members of the Pink Ladies. Don’t be afraid to clash patterns as well, since Cynthia does so often. The unique mustard-colored sweater with hood is difficult to find an exact match for, but several similar options exist so you can choose whichever you think looks closest. Add Cynthia’s name to a Pink Ladies jacket with a black fabric marker.
Nancy Nakagawa from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Nancy Nakagawa (played by Tricia Fukuhara) is a founding member of the Pink Ladies alongside friends Olivia, Jane, and Cynthia in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Nancy is an aspiring fashion designer, a fact which comes across in her often unique and eccentric clothing choices. A great example is her green lobster skirt, which is nearly impossible to find an exact match for, unless you’re particularly adept with a sewing machine yourself. Similar options exist with either lobsters or the more standard ’50s poodle print. Nancy pushes the limits of fashion, so don’t be afraid to accessorize your costume with brooches that evoke her signature embellishments or unique hairpins. Finish your look with black loafers, white socks, and your Pink Ladies jacket with Nancy’s name added with a fabric marker to the front.
Olivia Valdovinos from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Olivia Valdovinos (played by Cheyenne Isabel Wells) is a founding member of the titular girl gang in Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. She forms the group alongside friends Nancy, Cynthia, and Jane. A former straight-A student, Olivia’s school experience takes a bad turn after a male teacher has a relationship with her. Much of Olivia’s wardrobe consists of more form-fitting attire than her friends. When in doubt, a pencil skirt paired with a blouse and a pair of Mary Janes or t-strap heels will certainly do the trick. Olivia isn’t afraid of color and often wears jewel tones. If you can’t find an exact match for a certain piece, like her green dress or beige sweater top, try to get as close as you can by choosing pieces with similar silhouettes (or ones you aren’t afraid to alter with a pair of scissors). Complete your costume with a gold cross necklace and signature Pink Ladies jacket; you can add Olivia’s name with a black fabric marker.
Jane Facciano from Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies
Jane Facciano (played by Marisa Davila) is a founding member of the Pink Ladies alongside friends Nancy, Olivia, and Cynthia in the prequel series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. Jane is studious and bright, but her relationship with her high school’s quarterback leads to some unpleasant rumors circulating about her. Since the series takes place in the 1950s, there is plenty of opportunity to recreate vintage silhouettes. Jane has dark hair and wears a pair of chic cat eye glasses. Her costumes often use accessories like thin waist-cinching belts and headbands. Her skirts and dresses tend to be free-flowing and midi-length. Pair your favorite Jane look with white socks and a pair of saddle shoes, and don’t forget your Pink Ladies jacket, which you can personalize with a fabric marker by adding Jane’s name to the front.
Dee Reynolds in The Nightman Cometh
Dee Reynolds is a character in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In the season four finale, Dee stars in The Nightman Cometh, a rock opera written by Charlie. She performs the role of the princess, which with the apron, seems coded for The Waitress. After her duet with the little boy, performed by Dennis, she improvises a song called “Just to Be Clear” to convey that she is not interested in children, and most men would rate her an eight or nine out of ten.
Karen the Computer from the SpongeBob Musical
Karen Plankton is the computer wife of Sheldon J. Plankton in The SpongeBob Musical. Karen is a computer and, alongside her husband, tries to trick the residents of Bikini Bottom. Karen’s look in the musical is very different from the ordinary computer screen in the original cartoon series. To recreate the costume, you’ll want to focus on the futuristic aesthetic. Karen wears green tights, silver boots, and silver wraparound glasses. A futuristic space explorer costume is a good stand-in for an official Karen costume, but you can also get close with a silver skirt and a draped top. Finish the look with a purple wig of your choice and some frosty lilac lipstick.