New Vintage Theatre Produces "The Graduate!"
A few months ago, Bonnie Gratz - owner of New Vintage Theatre here in Kelowna contacted me regarding providing the styling and costumes for the play "The Graduate.' I was pretty pumped over this, as I have been a fan of the movie and have seen it many times - so, of course, I said "Oh ya!!"
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| The cast and crew of The Graduate by New Vintage Theatre |
Little do I know about costume design or styling for a play: I have styled a few photo shoots, but this was a MUCH more ambitious undertaking!
"The Graduate" is a novel written by Charles Webb in 1963, and is possibly loosely autobiographic, as he wrote it just after graduating from college himself. In 1967 Mike Nichols directed the film, which went on to be one of the most popular movies of the times.
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| Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate |
Starring an almost unknown Dustin Hoffman as the 21 year old Benjamin Braddock. Ben is in a state of aimlessness in spite of his status as a college graduate with a scholarship and seemingly bright future.
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| Peter Macleod as Benjamin Braddock in New Vintage Theatre production of The Graduate |
His seduction by a beautiful but cynical alcoholic, Mrs. Robinson, who is the wife of his father's best friend, becomes the only thing he looks forward to, until he is forced into a date with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson's daughter.
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| Natasha Davis as Mrs. Robinson with Peter Macleod as Ben |
Elaine has a positive and hopeful attitude about life. A college student at Berkeley, she is thoughtful about the issues of the times. Her date with Benjamin goes rather poorly, but Ben is smitten with her. She finds out about his affair with her mother and all should be over...but it is not!
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| Ashley Plomp as Elaine with Peter Macleod as Ben |
To find out how it all ends see "The Graduate." (the movie)
New Vintage Theatre production of "The Graduate" was directed by Brooklyn Ritchie, with the valuable assistance of Lore Green as stage manager. Starring Natasha Davis as Mrs. Robinson, Peter Macleod as Benjamin and a fabulous local cast (see credits below), the play ran from Wednesday July 23 to Saturday July 26 to standing ovation audiences!
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| Director Brookyln Ritchie |
Live theatre is a HUGE undertaking! These actors, all with "day jobs" by the way, devote hours and hours of time to learning the lines, taking on and understanding their character, co-operating with the company, painstakingly rehearsing involving memorizing the dialogue,working out the scene changes, the use of props, lighting, audio...and costumes!
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| Bonnie Gratz of New Vintage Theatre |
My role as "costume designer" took me to thrift shops almost daily for a few weeks as I looked for just the right items. Instead of seeking vintage or designer garments, I was looking for things that would work for the play - such as a wet suit, gray suits and just the perfect boxer shorts.
I do own quite the costume department, so the 60's dresses were easy to find and it was so delightful to see them looking so fabulous in the play! The actors characters "come alive" when the costumes are donned! Brooklyn allowed me to use my styling vision for scenes - heehaw! - so I had some fun with the actors in the bar scene with 1960's Rocker Shirts, which they ran with and made it all happen! I think it really made that scene jump! Actor Graham Daley, who played three roles in "The Graduate", really helped me see how important the costuming is, as he really "gets into" his characters.
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| Graham Daley as Psychiatrist, Leah Mcmullen as Mrs. Braddock and Brad Hull as Mr. Braddock |
This was a "well worth it" undertaking! I URGE you get out and see live theatre in Kelowna!
New Vintage Theatre cast:
Mrs. Robinson: Natasha Davis
Benjamin Braddock: Peter Macleod
Elaine Robinson: Ashley Plomp
Mr. Braddock: Brad Hull
Mrs. Braddock: Leah McMullen
Mr. Robinson: Doug Brown
Barman, Hotel Clerk and Psychiatrist: Graham Daley
Brad Hull and Doug Brown also played Barflys
Guest Appearance by the fabulous Erin as "the Stripper".
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| Doug Brown (with ax to grind!) as Mr. Robinson |
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| Shenanigans on stage! |
If you missed this production, never fear! There is so much more awesome theatre and events coming soon!!! New Vintage Theatre moves into new digs at the Rotary Center for the Arts and never sits still!!!
Check it all out here...New Vintage Theatre in Kelowna, BC Canada!
Have a HAPPY day!
Angie Bricker,
Proprietress of Georgie Girl Vintage,
1331 Ellis Street,
Kelowna, BC
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