4 Iconic Characters and Their Eyewear in Musical Theatre
Costume design is a crucial element in theatre, serving as a visual language to define characters and convey narrative themes. In musical theatre, this attention to detail extends to accessories, including eyewear, which can serve as subtle yet powerful tools for character development. As demonstrated in the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, where Vanessa Williams' oversized sunglasses hint at the icy demeanour of editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, eyewear can play a significant role in defining a character's persona.
In this article, we'll dive into the world of musical theatre to explore four iconic characters who wear glasses on stage. Each character brings a unique perspective and journey to their respective stories, and their eyewear serves as both a practical necessity and a symbolic expression of their individuality.
Seymour, Little Shop of Horrors
Little Shop of Horrors is a staple for musical theatre lovers with a penchant for the macabre and has been restaged many times by professional and amateur productions alike. In 2023, the Dynamik Theatre group put its own spin on it, starring Ollie Harper as Seymour. Seymour is a meek and downtrodden florist's assistant who discovers a mysterious and carnivorous plant that brings him fame and fortune. However, as the plant's demands grow increasingly sinister, Seymour must confront the consequences of his actions. Portrayed as a stereotypical nerd, Seymour wears thick-rimmed glasses, reminiscent of Ray-Ban Clubmasters. They emphasize his geeky persona and highlight his innocence and vulnerability. Despite his good intentions, Seymour's desire for success ultimately leads to his downfall, making his story a cautionary tale of ambition and morality.
Alison Bechdel, Fun Home
Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical based on Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir. It explores her relationship with her father and her path to self-discovery. As the story unfolds, Alison reflects on her childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Like her father, she grapples with her sexuality and the complexities of family dynamics. Alison's black glasses, akin to the simple Grayson frames from Glasses Direct, serve as a visual marker of her intellectual nature and artistic sensibility. Her glasses also look similar to the ones her father wears, alluding to shared characteristics between the two. Through her introspective lens, Alison navigates the intricacies of her identity and family history throughout the musical.
Elphaba, Wicked
In the magical land of Oz, Wicked tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda the Good Witch. As they journey through school and politics, Elphaba wrestles with society's prejudice against her green skin and extraordinary powers. Her round glasses not only complement her unique appearance but also symbolize her outsider status and defiance of social norms. Despite facing discrimination and persecution, Elphaba remains steadfast in her convictions, challenging the audience to question their perceptions of good and evil. A film adaptation is soon to be released starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Interestingly enough, Grande has been spotted taking obvious style inspiration from her co-star's Ozian wardrobe in real life, donning round, emerald-tinted glasses at the Wimbledon Cup in 2023.
Dawn, Waitress
In Waitress, Dawn is a quirky and endearing waitress who dreams of finding true love and happiness. As she navigates the ups and downs of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, Dawn's red glasses become a visual representation of her idiosyncratic personality and romantic idealism. Through her rose-tinted lenses, Dawn views the world with optimism and hope, despite the challenges she faces. Her journey reminds us that love comes in many forms, and sometimes, it's the unexpected connections that lead to the greatest fulfilment.
Ultimately, eyewear plays a significant role in defining the characters of musical theatre, offering insight into their personalities, motivations, and unique life paths. From Seymour's nerdy innocence to Elphaba's defiance, each character's spectacles serve as a window into their souls, inviting audiences to see the world through their eyes.
