Pet Peeve - Women's shoes!

[fluffychester]

The discussion on the Joe Boling thread about his attention to detail inspired me to post my pet peeve. It's women's shoes that are used onstage.

There seems to be an attitude among costumers that they're done with their job when they've finished the dresses. I'm so tired of seeing beautiful, period-appropriate costumes from the 1920s, 30s , 40s, 50s, etc. (and other periods - but these come to mind because dresses are short enough that shoes are an important part of the costume) ruined for me by the finishing touch of low-heeled, Mary Jane-style character shoes. These shoes are not flattering to anyone and usually make the leg look short and the ankle wide. They're made for dancers -- and I will forgive the look if the actresses are dancing (the strap is intended to keep the shoe from falling off), because that's the purpose of these shoes.

I'm also more forgiving of wearing characters under long dresses from the 19th or early 20th Centuries -- as they're not seen as much. But I really do appreciate the costumers who take the extra care to add spats, so they look more like boots.

But it just so happens that right now, many different styles of shoes from many different periods from the 20th Century are popular and can be easily accessed. If you don't have immediate access to shoes from the right period, check out Goodwill, Payless Shoes, ask around, check with other theatres (Civic has boxes and boxes of period shoes -- as long as you're willing to dig). I've also got a bunch -- generally size 7 1/2 - 8 -- that I'd potentially be willing to loan under the right circumstances.

Young, non-dancing women who are considering purchasing character shoes for stage -- I beg of you: consider spending a few extra dollars and buy the T-strap ones. At least these are more flattering to your leg and are appropriate for some periods, unlike the Mary Janes which are only appropriate for little girls. And you can go to Kinney Dancewear and get their house brand for much less than Capezios or other name brands.

Like Joe said seeing certain incongruencies can jerk him, as an audience member, right out of the moment. The same thing happens for me with a lovely character, in a beautiful period costume, and ugly character shoes.

Whew! Feel better with that off my chest! :)

[liloldlady]

Right you are, Marnie. Being a size 5, I have had to cheat. I do have the T strap, med. heel character shoes, both black and tan, and a great pair of granny boots. I do have some clunky '40s shoes like my grandmother used to wear. I am looking for a pair of laced clunky shoes from that period. :)

[Amy P]

It's also a pet peeve of mine, but I know it can be hard to find the right style, color, period, and size. I noticed some modern shoes in Enchanted April and was a bit surprised, but it didn't ruin the show for me or bother me that much. I wear children's size clothes and shoes so costumers sometimes have trouble with finding me the right things. Jackie Cramer was kind enough to give me some of her shoes, and I've used them many times. ;)

[liloldlady]

Amy, the alligator and peau de soie were purchased in the 1950's, so they would be authentic for that era. In the 60's, the shoes were awful and made our short feet look like boxes. Besides I had three small children. The rest of the shoes I passed on to you were from the 70's and 80's. Besides, I now wear Naturalizer's, royal last. I have them in all colors. Fit and are dressy, 1 1/2 inch wedge heel, enough for me. Check the Naturalizer catalogue for other styles. Phyllis Harvey and Marsha Grant have wonderful books and catalogues which give not only the dress styles but shoes.:)

[Bookworm]

It's interesting you bring this up because I particularly remember admiring the shoes you wore in Act I of Enchanted April, Marni. I think Tobin told me they were a pair of your own.

I know of one local actress who was smart enough to buy several pairs of high button/lace boots in assorted styles and colors when they were more readily available some years back. I wish I'd had the foresight to do the same, though I've been lucky enough to be able to borrow hers on more than one occasion.

[AuntB]

I love me some shoes, so I always look at them on stage as well.


There seems to be an attitude among costumers that they're done with their job when they've finished the dresses.

Mr. Jeff Farley will coordinate shoes with the outfit if at all possible! He had me dancing and running around the stage in four different pair of 3" heels during High Society, one of which I purchased after the run and ADORE. Baby pink with little black bows... :)

[Bookworm]

Mr. Jeff Farley will coordinate shoes with the outfit if at all possible!

Oh yes -- Jeff and shoes! He found the cutest little red ruffled slides that both Rebecca McConnell and I wore in Ruthless. And ruthless they were!

[Rich/Jeff]

Shoes..... Jeff and I will go around and around about shoes when he's costuming. I've told him nobody really notices what the shoes are onstage. His response is always "Well, I will!!!" and he'll spend days and countless miles looking for the right shoes for his shows.

Ok. I've been proven wrong. People do notice.

Be forewarn people. He's going to be an Encore judge next year and he's going to be looking for stuff like that !!!!

Rich

[agingdiva]

Shoes..... Jeff and I will go around and around about shoes when he's costuming. I've told him nobody really notices what the shoes are onstage. His response is always "Well, I will!!!" and he'll spend days and countless miles looking for the right shoes for his shows.

Ok. I've been proven wrong. People do notice.

Be forewarn people. He's going to be an Encore judge next year and he's going to be looking for stuff like that !!!!

Rich

People do notice. Furthermore, something out of its era really irks me. You'll notice that the lovely costume I wore during Grey Gardens, for instance, was actually manufactured in the 1970's. If Jeff doubts my assertion, I could show him what's left of the lining, which had hardened into stiff little balls of nylon batting. Very '70's!:)

[actress4200]

I have an entire assortment of lace up boots and all of them are on stage on some character's feet in Carmel Community Players' Little Women, the Musical opening this Friday June 19 at St. Theodore Guerin High School at 15300 Gray Road. Call 815-9387 for reservations.

Come for the singing...come for the shoes!!!

[Rose]

This reminds me of something that happened years ago. I went to see an Agatha Christie play (it was either The Mousetrap or Ten Little Indians) down at the Brown County Playhouse in Nashville, IN. We were lucky enough to be near the front, and after about 10 minutes of watching the show, my friend leaned over and said "Stop staring at their FEET!!" I had to stifle a giggle, because I never realized I was doing it, but I ALWAYS check out shoes, especially in a period piece.

Lots of directors say "Oh just wear character shoes" when asked about footwear because they feel people won't notice (Rich - you should listen to Jeff, honey!). It's especially noticeable when the stage floor is up above the audience's head, because sometimes feet are at or just above eye level and you can't help notice the shoes.

Characters are THE most uncomfortable shoes ever invented as well as being the least flattering for all the reasons stated above. I've owned about a half dozen pairs in my life, and whether I bought the generic version or sprung for the Capezios, they give me blisters and backaches.

Yes, Bobbi, you did have awesome shoes during High Society and those pink and black ones are adorable.

[agingdiva]

I just can't stay out of a discussion about shoes. When BCP did Sideshow, we needed shoes for male Egyptians. There should be now some "Jesus sandals", 3 or 4 pair, painted gold, in women's sizes 10.5-12 in their costume room. And now I'll shut up. Until the spirit moves me.

PS: I was at Nordstrom yesterday, came away convinced there's not a pair of shoes slutty enough to turn me away.

EDIT: Bobbi's shoes in Victor/Victoria intrigued me. They were man-type spectator oxfords in shades of beige. The only problem was that they were so beautiful they brought attention to her feet, which were much too obviously too small to be masculine.

[AuntB]

EDIT: Bobbi's shoes in Victor/Victoria intrigued me. They were man-type spectator oxfords in shades of beige. The only problem was that they were so beautiful they brought attention to her feet, which were much too obviously too small to be masculine.

My "Victor" shoes were women's tap shoes (taps removed), black with white tops. I wear ladies' size 7, which is size 5 in boys...so yes, "Victor" had small feet. I couldn't have moved in anything bigger to appear more masculine. :)

Thank you, Jeff Farley, for the green snakeskin 4" heels "Victoria" wore for "Le Jazz Hot". They now reside in my closet! Love you, Jeff...and our mutual love of shoes!

[Amaryllis]

Hmm. Interesting thread.

Well, I like wearing Mary Janes, myself, so I don't give a hoot about whether or not they flatter my legs or are age-appropriate. I can walk in them, which keeps me healthier, and I feel good in them, which keeps the people around me healthier because I am not biting their heads off.

But I do like to LOOK at all kinds of shoes, especially architectural or period ones.

And I definitely notice everyone's shoes in a production. The men's as well as the women's. At a community theatre production, I don't usually mind if the shoes are not perfect. Shoes are much harder to create out of tablecloths or whatever than dresses are, so for me, as long as the shoe choices make artistic sense in a broad way they don't distract me out of enjoying the story.

However, I definitely appreciate it when a costumer has managed, with no budget, to make the shoes exactly right for that show and those characters.

For me, actually, that is true of just about any aspect of a community theatre show. I recalibrate my expectations going in because it's all volunteer, no-budget, community theatre...and then I am delighted when there is excellence.

One of the reason I love being an Encore judge is that I all I have to do is report on (nominate) what is excellent. No one gives me grief about keeping quiet about what is...not.

On the other hand, if someone is charging $25 or more per ticket, then, yeah, they had better get the shoes and everything else right. Anything less is disappointing.

[Amaryllis]

I'd like to hear some more about what everyone here thinks it means to get the shoes "right."

I mean, for me, in the audience, I "just" need the costume to appear to make sense for the character that is wearing it, for what he or she is doing in it, and for the show as a whole.

I think this is slightly different from making sure a costume authentic, but I could be wrong.

Does a costumer ever make choices (and I assume these would be in collaboration with the director and other designers) that create a certain effect that is desired for that particular show but which may not be, technically and/or historically "accurate"?

Does an artistic choice ever properly negate a historical choice?

[agingdiva]

Even as a shoe freak, I'm more forgiving of poor footwear than I am of wrong-period hairstyles, esp. but not confined to those of women. Hair speaks of the social position, the economic situation, and the self-image of women and the social awareness of men. Oh, heck, I'm not going into detail, but we could all name those occasions....

[fluffychester]

I noticed some modern shoes in Enchanted April and was a bit surprised, but it didn't ruin the show for me or bother me that much.

You are right that there were plenty of modern shoes in Enchanted April -- many were new or recent styles. But I will also argue that based upon my own research (and the costumer did MUCH more research than I), they were also appropriate for the period, or at least a good facsimile. I'd much rather see someone wear a modern shoe that is very similar to the period than just character shoes. But that was part of my point (that maybe I didn't make as effectively). I LOVE me some shoes. But if you look at my current collection, you will find styles that would have been appropo in the 1920s through today.

I'm not advocating that folks spend a fortune. Just make an effort.

[AuntB]

he'll spend days and countless miles looking for the right shoes for his shows.


It's true. Jeff got a pair of High Society shoes for me in Panama...yes, A DIFFERENT COUNTRY! Granted, he was there for another occasion, but he still found time to shop for the show and managed to locate these crazy-inexpensive shoes.

[Connie_M-T]

I am a self-confessed shoe whore. I LOVE shoes.

When I am in a show or when I direct a show I am very detailed oriented. The shoes must be right, the make-up right, the hair right, the purse, etc.

I am a believer that "it is all in the details".

I agree with Marni, I hate to see someone wear character shoes in a non-musical. Then I go to a party and people are wearing them on the street. I don't even like them on the stage let alone on the street. PLEASE

I have been lucky to find period shoes at the Goodwill. If I find a pair, I buy them hoping I will have a chance to wear them in a show.

[liloldlady]

I am looking for some '40s old lady shoes, laced. I am a size 5 - but I will cheat to a 5 1/2. Want to be my personal shopper??? I hate shopping.:rolleyes:

[rebthebecca]

Maybe I'm in the minority... but I think character shoes are comfortable. (Notice I didn't say attractive, I said COMFORTABLE.) I even wore a pair of white character shoes at my wedding because I knew they wouldn't show, I needed some height, and I knew I'd be on my feet all day and wanted shoes that I wouldn't have to take off to dance in at the reception.

Are they the best choice for most shows? Probably not. Can I wear them without limping off the stage or slipping and falling on my face? Yes. :)

That being said, I will happily wear whatever shoes the costumer provides for me-- although I prefer to break them in during rehearsals. :)

[liloldlady]

I got Capezios, and yes, they are very comfortable. If a designer can fit me, I will wear whatever they want!:D

[actress4200]

.... I even wore a pair of white character shoes at my wedding because I knew they wouldn't show, I needed some height, and I knew I'd be on my feet all day and wanted shoes that I wouldn't have to take off to dance in at the reception.

. :)

That is so bizarre. I did the exact same thing at my wedding and for the same reasons. I was comfy. I wore them all day and danced all night and they were perfect. They are prominently featured in a photo where Paul is taking off my garter at the reception. That was nearly 30 years ago. (sheesh I'm old)

[Rio]

When I did Mafia Daughter, Therese Burns made sure I had matching shoes for every outfit. She and Jeff Hamilton even colored some of the shoes by hand with markers and highlighters so they would match the clothes! I think in a show where there is emphasis on costumes, you should find shoes to match if at all possible, at least for the leads. My one personal exception would be Die Mommie Die, where I had so many costume changes and wildly different patterns on each outfit that plain tan character shoes were just the best choice.

[joeboling]

Everyone has her/his own areas of special interest and expertise. Jackie has chided me at times for NOT commenting on inapproproate costuming, but except for military, I am largely oblivious to costumes, and particularly shoes. So it's not just my eyes that you designers are needing to address - read the above.

[dramatic images]

In my early years of costuming I too fell into the trap of Charcter shoes. In the years that have followed unless it is a dance show correct shoes are very important. I saw a nearly flawless production this spring at a well known theatre that was marred by the lack of period shoes. We have spent a small forunate at the Wagon wheel this summer on shoes. In Joseph the girls had no fewer than 4 shoe changes. In Brigadoon we started with some boots on the men that we had ordered. After I saw them in one rehearsel I hated them and reordered shoes. The girls are wearing Irish Gilly's. I just ordered shoes for Chorus Line. 16 pair for a 5minute number. So as Miltary medals are important to Joe , shoes are important to Jeff and myself. Marni is right civic has a huge amount of period shoes

[agingdiva]

The most uncomfortable pair of shoes I ever had on were some authentic '50's shoes I bought at the Kidney Foundation thrift store. I still wore heels without problems at the time; these fit, just didn't feel good, and after I wore them in a fashion show at church, the balls of my feet were numb. I gave them away. Ashes to ashes, thrift store to thrift store.

[fluffychester]

I saw a nearly flawless production this spring at a well known theatre that was marred by the lack of period shoes.

I'd be wiling to bet that the show you saw and the show that inspired me to start this thread are the same one. ;) We'll have to compare notes sometime, Stephen.

[liloldlady]

Saw Brigadoon yesterday, Stephen. Lovely!!!