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The FAC Theatre Company's production of the Broadway musical Hairspray, closing June 3, 2012. Image by Nathan Willers |
Calling Hairspray a BIG musical is no joke. Lex Liang designed 100 costumes, 12 full sets, and 34 wigs for this musical comedy, and he used less than 6 bottles of Aqua Net.
Liang is no stranger to the FAC Theatre Company; he was on the creative team for A Year with Frogand Toad and has worked with Producing Artistic Director Scott RC Levy on previous productions. Additionally, Liang has worked internationally as a designer, consultant and stylist in theatre, film, fashion, interiors, and special events.
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Hairstyle from the film Hairspray |
Hairspray takes place in the early 1960s and raises issues that are a real part of American history. The FAC Theatre Company's creative team wanted to give justice to that, and decided to go with a more realistic feel in the hair, make-up and costume department. A realistic look better reflects the time period and makes it easier for audiences to focus on the story, making the characters relatable as real people rather than cartoonish caricatures.
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Cirgarette ad from the early 1960s |
You wont find any chicken wire in the wigs or extreme use of liquid eye liner and teal eye-shadow in the FAC's production. Hairspray takes place in the early 1960s, but it’s a clean 50’s housewife look. “The biggest misconception that people have about American fashion in 1960 is micro minis, go-go boots, and Sassoon bobs,” explained Liang. The makeup has a very natural look with a clean eye and orangey-red lipstick. The makeup was inspired by Sears’ ads, old magazine ads, and cigarette ads.
While the hairstyles and make-up may appear tamed, a lot of spunk and dramatic fun was added to the sets, featuring pops of color, sparkle, and exaggerated geometric shapes.
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Drew Frady as Edna Turnblad, Faith Goins and Desiree Myers as the Dynamites, and Andrea Rutherford as Tracy Turnblad. Image by Moxie Photography |
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