Some actresses cast in upcoming performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” will wear clothing that belonged to Margaret Gaut, a beloved 1940 graduate of Tusculum, who died in January. Those who will don this attire are, left to right, Kristin Girton, Molly Doss, Jodie Carter, Margo Olmsted and Sara Claiborne.
When actresses take the stage during Theatre-at-Tusculum’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors” in March, some of their costumes will demonstrate the deep connection between a Tusculum University alumna and the higher education institution.
Actresses Molly Doss, Kristin Girton, Margo Olmsted, Sara Claiborne and Jodie Carter will dazzle the audience with outfits previously owned by the late Margaret Gaut, a beloved 1940 graduate who died Jan. 12 at age 100. Gaut’s family recently donated the clothes to Theatre-at-Tusculum, and Erin Schultz, the costume director, found six outfits that would fit perfectly for the performances.
Schultz said a friend, Betsy Reed, was helping sort through some of Gaut’s belongings and alerted her about the availability of clothes, some of which were homemade.
“Everything was beautifully preserved and labeled,” Schultz said. “On many shoeboxes, she would say where she bought the footwear. There was one dress where she listed the party to which she had worn it. Some of her clothes were folded with tissue paper so they wouldn’t get creases. To be able to obtain a large amount of vintage clothing that’s still usable, as was the case here, is pretty incredible.”
In analyzing Gaut’s clothes, Schultz used criteria such as color, style and fit to determine which ones would be appropriate for the show.
“When I’m looking at a show, I think about the color palette and what’s going to work in what scenes and who it is going to look best on,” she said. “It just happened that among these pieces were exactly what I needed. To not have to alter the clothes too much because they already match the appropriate time period was helpful. It was very cool to be able to use them and give the show that authenticity.”
In her role as Audrey, Doss will wear a nightgown that belonged to Gaut. She considers the ability to wear an article of Gaut’s clothing an honor.
“This is the first costume I received as Audrey, and it was a big deal for me,” Doss said. “It really made my character come to life, especially knowing the clothes were from the time period the show portrays. From the vintage aspect, it really helped me to be able to come together and feel a lot closer to the role and the show. And it’s just very special to think that I’m wearing something that meant so much to someone.”
Girton, who will wear a pink dress from the Gaut collection in her role as Customer No. 3, experienced a similar transformation.
“The first day they let me try it on, you could feel this change of stepping into that character,” she said. “Before that, it’s not quite as real. And I love this outfit by the way. It makes me feel beautiful and classy. I love it from head to toe.”
A black and white dress with a cape and red belt, red gloves and red hat will be the outfit Margo Olmsted will don in her role as Skip Snip. She will also wear a green dress in her other part as a member of the show’s ensemble.
As she showed off the first outfit during a recent rehearsal, she paid tribute to Gaut by referring to her as pioneer and highlighting the support the centenarian provided the university throughout her life.
“When I wear this dress, I feel like I’m empowered, just like she was,” Olmsted said. “She was very stylish and very iconic. It’s such an honor to be able to bring my character to life using her fashions. Clearly, she was an amazing woman, and if you didn’t get to know her, you missed out on someone so special.”
When she wears a piece of used clothing in a performance, Sara Claiborne reflects on that past. She will wear Gaut’s orange jacket and orange, plaid skirt as she plays Chiffon.
“I like to talk about how costumes always have a story behind them,” she said. “They come from somewhere, and I like to know the background of them. So having someone specific’s old clothing comes with a lot of stories because they were lived in. And I think it’s very cool to reference that through acting and going back to that time for a little while.”
“Little Shop of Horrors” will take place in the Behan Arena Theatre in the lower level of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center at Tusculum University in Greeneville. The show will span two weekends with performances on March 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 7 p.m. with matinee performances on March 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors 60 and older. The show is rated PG-13 for some gruesome and gory content as well as strong language. Seating is general and is first come, first served. The ticket box office will open 90 minutes prior to each show time, with the house opening 60 minutes prior to each show time. Tickets may be purchased with cash or check only. No credit or debit cards will be accepted. To reserve tickets please call 423-798-1620 or email jhollowell@tusculum.edu.
Theatre-at-Tusculum is under the auspices of Tusculum University Arts Outreach, which is led by Artist-in-Residence Marilyn duBrisk, Assistant Director Brian Ricker, Coordinator Jennifer Hollowell, Technical Director Frank Mengel and Costume Director Erin Schultz. It is supported in part by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, Hearts for the Arts, and many generous donors.
For more information about this production or other programs, please contact the TUAO office at 423-798-1620 or visit arts.tusculum.edu or Facebook: Tusculum University Arts Outreach.