The costume warehouse in Gertrude Krampert Theatre, in its natural state.
By: Carlos Fandal III
In a mix of laughter, music, and nostalgia, the curtains will rise on a joyous production at Casper College, as the campus theater troupe brings to life the timeless charm of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone.’ The play is a celebration of Broadway’s Golden Age, and has taken center to captivate audiences with its humor, wit and toe-tapping tunes. As the cast and crew transport us back to the glamor of 1920’s theater, it’s important to stop and think about the endless hard work that goes into such a production. For some, it’s an entire lifetime of work that goes into each and every Casper College production.
Theater’s many moving pieces provide an interesting challenge, but a challenge that many are proud to overcome time and time again. Richard Burk, CC’s theater degree coordinator and director of many CC plays including the Drowsy Chaperone, welcomes the stress of preparation with open arms.
“We have a very positive group of people. As a result, the show is developing more quickly than it would develop if we had people who couldn’t see the positive side of things. As a result, they’re taking more ownership with what they’re doing, rather than sitting back. When everybody feels like they’re working on a team, then it’s positive. It’s not stressful in a negative way, I had a teacher who said that stress is both positive and negative,” said Burk.
Burk continued to elaborate on the emotions behind the curtain. The satisfaction of completing a production comes with a sadness of it all ending.
“We’ve been working on this since August 25. Every weeknight, and we’ve had one Saturday. People, and the city have invested so much time, energy, and effort into it. They’re (students) taking it in stride,” said Burk. “Following the closing of the show, there’s a sort of void that needs to be filled. Of course, because they’re college students, there’s a lot to fill that. It’s still something that was routine is now missing. Something that was so satisfying, once we get this show in front of an audience, it’s incredibly satisfying, because the audience will love it.”
Theater operates like a well-oiled machine. Everything holds a specific place, and everything is moving. The production contains endless moving pieces that the audience may not even notice. One extremely important aspect of theater is led by Darrell Wagner, the head of the costume department. Wagner has worked in the costume department for years, but he’s been interested in the glamor for even longer.
The work of a costume lead is perfectly reflected by their workshop. They can be chaotic and stressful, but in Wagner’s case, the results are always pretty. Wagner alluded to his love of the work.
“I started when I was a kid watching TV back in the day. The Carol Burnett Show, and Sonny and Cher show. Those variety shows had all of these costumes and all of this stuff. And I learned that Bob Mackie, the designer, was designing both shows. One person does all of that work every week, and that’s sort of where I started. Find somebody you admire, follow what they do, and learn how they do it.” Wagner said.
Wagner then expressed some of the difficulties that come with the job.
“I’m responsible for everything the performers do or do not wear? If they’re wearing a certain ring, or a certain watch, or earrings. Everything that the audience sees — I make those choices. Is it appropriate for the character? Is it appropriate for the show? Is it appropriate for the time period?” Wagner said, he then went further.
“A lot of moving pieces, and I gotta keep track of all of them. I have to decide; what are we making?” Wagner said.
The Casper College production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” showcases dedication and passion. The laughter and nostalgia are direct results of the immense effort behind the scenes. The production staff is happy to embrace the stress as an avenue for growth and teamwork.
“It taught me to care about people, because I got involved in theater when I was too young to care about people. Whether it’s a comedy, tragedy, drama… Everything that engages the audience has to do with facing life’s challenges” Burk said.
The Drowsy Chaperone premieres on October 13 at 7:30 p.m. Additional evening show dates include: October 14, 19, and 20. CC will host matinee shows on October 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. The department is also premiering “It’s a Wonderful Life” in November. “Pencils Down!” and Percy Jackson’s “The Lightning Thief” are currently slated to premiere in February and April.
Take in the shows in CC’s Gertrude Krampert theater. The effort put forward by all involved may not always be directly seen, but when everything comes together, the show goes on.
