The Tyvek jacket can be seen on the left in this photo:

Here’s some of the structural costumes. The garbage can on the left, and the fountain on the right:

And of course, all the babies:

Photos by Mark Kiryluk.

Update: Here’s a blog post from Central City Opera that talks about the build.

The Utah Opera Costume Shop has been busy at work for one of our neighboring opera companies – Central City Opera in Colorado. One of their productions, Les Mamelles de Tirésias by Poulenc, has gone outside of the box in terms of the costume design and construction. Some of the dresses and suits for the production are made of Tyvek, instead of fabric. (Other costumes include flowerpots, fountains, and garbage cans, and a whole slew of babies.) Tyvek is a synthetic, polyethylene material that is often used in home construction, mailing envelopes, and those wristbands you get when you go to a concert.

The costume shop had a ton of fun experimenting with the material. I saw Ken, our cutter/draper, playing with a wide assortment of different styles of pleats to figure out which one would work best for the material.

Right now, the Tyvek costumes are just white. When they arrive at Central City, they’ll be decorated and colored with paint and markers for the show. We’re hoping to get some pictures of the finished product, and I’ll share them with you then.

Update: View this blog post for production photos: Update on Unusual Materials, Extraordinary Costumes.

Just goes to show that if you’re creative, you can make a costume out of anything!

Beautiful, isn’t it?

Here are some great comments from some of the artists who have worked with Sue in the past. Please add your own memories of Sue and well-wishes in the comments!

(click for larger version)

I wish I had photos.  But, when you mention Sue’s name, I just smile.  She has always been the consummate artist and colleague.  Passionate about her work and her details, she makes every singer feel like a king or queen.  Thanks Sue for all you have done for Utah Opera and the arts!  We will miss you.
- Daniel Belcher

I have had the privilege of working with the wonderful Sue Allred since my debut at Utah Opera in 2004.  I eagerly await my costume fittings at the beginning of the rehearsal process.  It’s always such a delight to see the beautiful designs I’ll be wearing, and of course, it’s been such a joy to spend that time with Sue.  She is one of the most kind, talented, and gracious designers I have ever known.  Thank you, Sue!
-Leah Wool, Mezzo-Soprano

Sue, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re retiring from Utah Opera. The four shows we did together were truly an artistic and personal delight for me. Your designs are beautiful, and you are a dream to work with. I will always cherish our work together, and I wish you continued fulfillment and joy in whatever you do. Thank you for being a very special colleague, and congratulations on all of the beautiful costumes you have designed. You have much to be proud of. You will be greatly missed. Affectionate best wishes to you!
- Stephanie Sundine

From our first project, H.M.S. Pinafore for the Deer Valley Music Festival in 2004 through our final project,  L’Italiana  in Algieri in 2009, Sue has created stunning, imaginative and stylish designs which not only enhanced, but became an integral part of every production we did together.  Sue brings joy and love  to every design and that authenticity shines through all she does. Working with Sue has been an honor and a pleasure.
- Patricia Weinmann

There are 42, to be exact (ballgowns, not racks).

These beautiful ballgowns are headed off to Florida for Opera Tampa’s production of La Traviata.

Maybe they’ll bring some sunshine with them, when they come back!