FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 14, 2003
Contact: Christa Skiles
Public Relations Director
513-345-2242, ext. 232

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE WILL SELL ONE-OF-A-KIND COSTUMES AND PROPS AT THE RETURN OF ITS POPULAR SHOP SALE ON OCTOBER 25

(CINCINNATI) – Looking for a last minute Halloween costume? Ever wanted to possess a pair of your very own ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz? Halloween procrastinators and collectors looking to purchase a little piece of Playhouse history alike will want to mark their calendars for Saturday, October 25. For the first time in eight years, the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s costumes and props staff have raided the theatre’s storage and assembled a collection of one-of-a-kind and more practical items for the return of its popular Shop Sale. The sale will take place at the Playhouse’s Scenery Shop (located at 2827 Gilbert Avenue, across from Thomson-MacConnell Cadillac) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Among the pieces included in the sale are several hand-painted, comic book style western costumes from the world premiere production of Keith Glover’s vampire thriller Dark Paradise, 1960s styled wigs from the Playhouse’s musical hit Beehive and Emerald City and other costume pieces from The Wizard of Oz. Also featured are women’s period dresses from The Importance of Being Earnest, costumes from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and several dresses from Ain't Misbehavin'.

Several highly sought after items also will be sold as part of a silent auction, with bids accepted from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. They include several items from the Playhouse’s production of The Wizard of Oz: a pair of Dorothy’s ruby slippers (which were designed specifically for the Playhouse by U.S. Shoe with the advice and consultation of the same man who created Judy Garland’s shoes for the film); the last munchkin outfit, a member of the “Lullaby League”; and the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man costumes. Also included are Candyman star Tony Todd’s costume from Dark Paradise; the yeti, or abominable snowman, from On the Verge; and Dracula’s cape from the Playhouse’s most popular production of all time.

The costume portion of the sale also will include a significant number of vintage pieces, described by Playhouse Costume Shop Manager Gordon DeVinney as “shabby chic” and ranging in age from the early 1900s through the 1970s and 80s. Masks, headdresses and puppets from various Playhouse educational touring shows also will be included. In addition, the sale will feature plenty of more ordinary fare, including tuxedos, dress shirts, formal pants and vests, dresses and even service uniforms.

Among the props pieces that will be featured are a unique coffee-cup light fixture that was used in the Playhouse production of Men on the Take and two large wicker birdcages that were seen in The Importance of Being Earnest. Shoppers also will find many specialty items that can be used to spice up their homes, including pieces that were used to decorate the designer kitchen in The Smell of the Kill. Decorative knick-knacks, lamps and household items also are included.

There’s something for every price, with non-auction sale items ranging from approximately 50 cents to $150. Most costume items will be priced under $20 and most props under $30. Some items will be priced higher to reflect workmanship and the cost of materials. Shoppers looking for more unique items are encouraged to come early, as lines for past sales have been known to form in advance.

Payment is by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover only.) All proceeds benefit the Playhouse, a not-for-profit organization. All sales are final.

Playhouse artists fly to and from Cincinnati on Delta Connection COMAIR, the Playhouse’s official airline.

The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Playhouse also receives funding from the City of Cincinnati.

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