BWW Blog: Molly Garner of BIG FISH - Photo Shoot

Last Wednesday I showed up at Musical Theatre West for a Big Fish photo shoot, with baby Delilah once again in tow.

I had tried on my Witch costume a few days earlier, but on this day I got to try on my wig for the first time, pulling the look together. Michael, the wig master, was concerned that my wig would be too heavy. This is a valid concern: my short hair does not provide much of an anchor for any wig. My witch wig has two parts: the first is long and dark, hanging halfway down my back. The second part, an up-do with a crown and dreadlocks, is attached to the first by a magnet. Now, I had some crazy wigs when I was on tour with Mary Poppins, but this is my first wig that comes with a magnet. It looks amazing, but it is quite heavy. Michael pinned it as best he could, and we agreed we'd come up with some sort of intense wig prep together. For the purposes of the shoot, it held up great!

I also wear some amazing LaDuca boots as the Witch. If my William Ivey Long costumes are the theatrical equivalent of wearing Prada, LaDucas are the Manolo Blahniks of the dance world. (For those who aren't familiar, Netflix the documentary Every Little Step and watch Jessica Lee Goldyn turn into a puddle on the floor in the middle of LaDuca New York.)

At the shoot Jeff Skowron, who plays Edward Bloom, and Rebecca Johnson, who plays Sandra, joined Delilah and me. Between the two of them, Michael from wigs, Karen from wardrobe, and Michael and Mary from administrative, plenty of people were willing to hold Delilah while I posed with a crystal ball. Musical Theatre West plans to turn the photos into posters to hang on the side of the building. Another career first for me! Additionally, they want to put photos of the Witch, the Giant and the Mermaid into three places in Long Beach to announce that the show is coming to Long Beach. I was also filled in on a few promotional events. On October 16th Musical Theatre West, Long Beach Cinematheque and Frida Cinemas are partnering to host a free outdoor rooftop screening of the movie Big Fish with some musical performances by the cast. (You can do that in southern California in October. Perks!)

I can't wait till rehearsals begin.