Crowning
Achievements
Theatrical wigs
and the stories they tell
take center stage.Wigs aren’t meant
to stand out. In plays and musi-
cals, they should disappear into
actors’ performances like discreet
maître d’s, enhancing their char-
acters without over taking them.
But as many theater aficionados
know, supporting elements such
as the set, lighting, costumes –
and yes, wigs – do a lot of the
work that brings a performance
to life. On the following pages,
we’re delighted to lift the cur-
tain on the unsung craft of
wig making and give it a well-
deserved turn in the spotlight.
Laura Stearns, Jessica Rau,
and Andrea Moriarity, the in-
house wig team at the Guthrie
Theater in Minneapolis, have
mastered the subtle “art of W.”
Theirs is one of a small number
of first-class theatrical wig shops
in the country. Here are the sto-
ries of some of their meticulously
handmade creations.
at the holiday party
Scrooge revisits with
the Ghost of Christmas
Past. Hosted by his gen-
erous and joyful former
employer, Mr. Fezziwig,
the festive celebration
reminds Scrooge that
he did, indeed, once
have a heart.This November, the^
Guthrie’s annual pro-
duction of A Christmas
Carol enters its 45th
year. Each production
has had up to 40 wigs,
including this ornate
piece, styled following
British trends of the
1830s. The wig debuts^Dora Fezziwig
A Christmas Carol, 201858 american craft aug/sept 19