Dr. Seuss’s fascinating, vivid world comes to the Ojai Art Center Theater’s stage for the holidays in “Seussical.” This enormous, talented 30+ person cast sing and dance their way through Seuss’s magical creations. A cast is nothing without the people behind the scenes that tie together the stories told on stage. Without set design, lighting, and costumes, we wouldn’t enjoy going to the theater as much as we do. Sheryl Jo Bedal brings the visually creative world of Dr. Seuss to life through her costuming.
With a heavy influence from the Steampunk World, Bedal has woven a bit of herself throughout each costume.
“Each character has its own style, but I do have a bit of a steampunk theme running through many of the costumes,” Bedal said. “Steampunk is my favorite genre of costumes. I like to make sure the costuming is a bit different from other productions because their show was someone else’s idea, so our show is, of course, a bit of Dr. Seuss and a bit or my own wacky, out of the box imagination. I tend to fall in love with all the costumes, but the Steampunk Wickersham brothers, Sour & Baby Kangaroo, and Mayor outfits are so me. The best part of every outfit is seeing the smiles on everyone’s face when they put on their costumes and become their characters.”
Bedal has worked throughout the Ventura county area on costumes, makeup, and as a set designer. Working for many years in the theater community has given Bedal a unique position to reach out to colleagues for help when needed.
“Being friends with so many other costumers at other theaters, I either borrowed or rented some of the costumes or costume pieces the cast is wearing,” Bedal stated. “I have a lot of costumes that I can pull from, and I made many of the outfits. Mainly I try to help the actor BE their characters. The fun part is when the actors help collaborate on their costumes by bringing in pieces they have that might work. Or they purchase the pieces they want for their characters. Everyone is so helpful.
“Just a fun note, Suzy Thatcher (Sour Kangaroo) was so excited about getting to wear a Steampunk outfit. Suzy fell in love with the pieces she is to wear that she bought her whole costume so that she can keep it. She even wore it in a Steampunk costume contest at the Oxnard Steampunk Fest in October and won fourth place.” Bedal said.
Bedal has four Star Awards for her work in costuming and set design.
“Seussical!” runs weekends from November 22 to December 15, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7:30 pm and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. The box office opens 45 minutes before each show. Ticket prices; $30 general admission, $25 seniors and AC members, and $10 for those under 25. You can purchase online at OjaiACT.org or call (805) 640-8797.