BWW Blog: Meet Molly Garner of BIG FISH - Costume Fittings

Costume fittings aren't always a good time. I've been to fittings where I never once got to look in the mirror. I've been to fittings where I had to stand stock still for an hour at the risk of getting stuck by hundreds of pins. And I've been to fittings where literally nothing fit.

Fortunately, it was smooth sailing this week at Musical Theatre West. I arrived promptly at 10:45 with my seven-month-old baby Delilah in tow. The wardrobe supervisor graciously made space for her in the corner of the (mirrored) studio, and I stripped down to leggings, nursing bra and Halloween socks.

I am playing the Witch in the very first regional production of Big Fish. This means I have one fierce song in the first act, then make ensemble appearances throughout the show, and re-appear as the Witch in the end. Musical Theatre West has obtained all of the Broadway sets and costumes, which means I had to geek out for a moment when I discovered I'd be wearing costumes designed by William Ivey Long. This is the theatre nerd equivalent of wearing Prada right off the runway. Actually, it's more like getting to wear an entire Prada collection. I tried on one fabulous concoction after another. Pictured is my "Fantasy" Witch costume (sans wig, but with Halloween socks), not to be confused with my other Witch costume I wear in the second act. 'Cause these are Broadway costumes, bitches! We don't wear the same thing twice!

Seriously, getting to wear William Ivey Long costumes constitutes a career high for me. I've come a long way since my mom sewed up a mermaid tail for me to wear in the 5th grade talent show.

Not only do I get two Witch costumes, but my ensemble costumes are amazing as well. I get to play a variety of characters, ranging from "slutty cowgirl" to "clown on tricycle." Check out the pictures below! (Tricycle not pictured. But my baby is!)