Denee Benton, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Evoking Natasha’s penchant for cuffs, as well as the fantastical elements included in the show’s production, this costume design from Robert McQuinn, found in our R.H. Burnside Collection, might suit Ms. Benton just right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christine Ebersole, War Paint

Elizabeth Arden started her ascent to cosmetic queen in the 1930s, so Ms. Ebersole may want to look to Ruth Etting, singing and acting star of the Gilded Age for inspiration. Found in our Billy Rose Theater Division, Etting’s satin sophistication is befitting of the pioneering Arden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patti LuPone, War Paint

Arden’s adversary, Helena Rubinstein, had a penchant for the sartorial elegance of suits,  which makes this ensemble from the Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection a worthy look for Ms. Lupone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!

As Ms. Midler gained insight into her role from Carol Channing’s original performance, she may look to another performer who won a Tony for portraying Dolly Levi: Pearl Bailey. The The Friedman-Abeles Photograph Collection holds images from multiple Hello Dolly! Productions, inciting inspiration from variations on an iconic theme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eva Noblezada, Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon is a reinterpretation of the classic Puccini opera, Madame Butterfly,  so we suggest Ms. Noblezada look to another tragic story of his for vestiary inspiration. The American National Opera Company’s performance of Tosca from the Billy Rose Theater Division provides the necessary element of drama.