Opera's Wardrobe Wonderland Opens In Auckland

26 January 2005

Ever fancied yourself as a toreador? or perhaps an ancient Egyptian princess? Looking for that sequined 1980s ball dress you never had; or need to fit out a band of gypsies or company of geishas?

The Costume Store, a new outlet for costume hireage, is opening in Mt Wellington and is holding an Open Day from 12-4.00pm on Saturday 5th February. The costumes, which have previously adorned opera divas and the Aotea Centre stage in The NBR New Zealand Opera's productions, are now available for hire to the entertainment industry and members of the public.

"The variety and quality of these costumes is astounding", says Alex Reedijk, General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera. "The wardrobe features 14 of our productions over the past six years - from ancient Egypt (AIDA) to Elizabethan England (Falstaff) to turn-of the-century-Spain (Carmen); from the grandeur of 19th Century Vienna (Die Fledermaus) or Paris (La Boheme) to the glam rock of 1980s California (The Elixir of Love) or glorious Japanese kimonos (Madama Butterfly) - we've got it all!"

Some of the more unusual items available include a fake leopard-skin mantle complete with animal head from Aida, and Coronation robes fit for a Russian Tsar from Boris Godunov. Famous opera stage couples can also be hired: Toreador Escamillo and Carmen; Cio-Cio-San and her American sweetheart, Lieutenant Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly); Mimi and Rodolfo (La Boheme); Aida and Radames (AIDA); and Suzanna and Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro).

The Costume Store also carries a large number of 'costume basics' likely to be of interest to Wardrobe Managers in the theatre, film and advertising industries. These include hundreds of blouses, white cotton dress shirts, linen bolero shirts, ball-gowns, day dresses, dinner suits as well as boxes and boxes of shoes, hats, gloves and scarves. A complete set of costumes for an individual production can be hired or single, casual hire for fancy dress is also possible.

The Open Day on Saturday 5 February will allow Aucklanders the opportunity to view the vast wardrobe space and dress up as their favourite character from among those on display. A photographer will be on hand to capture that special moment for those wanting to transform themselves into a Mimi, Carmen, Figaro or Don Jose!

The Costume Store is located on 1st Floor, 10 Te Apunga Place, Mt Wellington and will be open every Friday 12-4pm or other times by prior arrangement.

ENDS

© Scoop Media