When Marvin’s Room opened in 1992, the New York Times called it, “One of the funniest plays of the year, as well as one of the wisest and most moving.” The play revolves around Bessie, who has spent most of her life as the caretaker of her ailing father and elderly aunt. When she learns she has leukemia, her only hope for a bone marrow transplant is to contact her estranged sister and nephews. Although dealing with serious subject matter, McPherson has injected the play with quirky and endearing humor, giving us a portrait of “life as it is, how it could be and how one might bridge the distance without sentimentalizing the truth.” Winner of the Outer Critic’s Circle Award, The Drama Desk Award and the John Gassner Award for Best New American Play.
November 2011.
Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Hair and Makeup: Erica Ortenblad
Wardrobe: Vincent Pelligrino
*click on any image to enlarge*
The play takes place in Florida in about 1990. I wanted to go for bright and clean colors. For the character of Bessie, to match her bright attitude despite adversity, I chose a lot of pastels and florals. Here, she is seen returning from her errands to find Aunt Ruth asleep in a chair. Aunt Ruth mimics her color palette in a blue seersucker suit and green sweater.
Aunt Ruth mimics her color palette in a blue seersucker suit and green sweater.
Meanwhile in Ohio, Bessie’s sister Lee goes to visit her son Hank. She’s the complete opposite of Bessie. Instead of florals, she opts for a leopard print, a faux suede jacket with gold studs and black leggings.
Here is the Psychiatrist that has been working with Hank. She’s demure and conservative in earth tones.
Here is Hank, having just worked on an auto engine. His coveralls are loaded with grease, and his Chuck Taylor shoes are blackened by a significant amount of wear and tear.
Back in Orlando, Bessie’s lukemia has progressed and she is in the hospital. Still donning cool and collective pastels in her hospital gown and head scarf. Ruth arrives to deliver a speech about life and death wearing a black and floral shirt and sweater combo and blue pants.
Shortly after, Lee and her sons Hank and Charlie arrive to Florida be tested as bone marrow donors for Bessie. Charlie being the “studious” one, dresses conservatively in jeans, a t-shirt and glasses. His Chuck Taylors are clean and white. Hank dresses for his attitude wearing ripped cut-off camoflauge pants and and cut off jean vest with a bandana around his neck.
In the same manner, Lee dresses for the Florida heat in a loudly printed off the shoulder top, a light flowing skirt and a belt to anchor the look.
In keeping with her Floridian charm, Bessie dons Floral printed coolats and a bright soft tee. She also wears cream color Keds and bobby socks.
The boys meet Aunt Ruth, who is wearing her navy blue pants, a floral top and her repeat green sweater. The belt around her waist is for her pain relieving device that has wires directly into her brain.
A few nights later, Bessie and Hank bond over an old photograph. Bessie comes out to the porch in her Robe which covers up a blue and yellow night gown. Hank wears his repeat camo pants, and a brown and grey henley.
ACT TWO
Act two begins with Lee and Bessie visiting a retirement home to check out their care options for Aunt Ruth. Bessie keeps to her color palate in Easter Egg blue and yellow, while Lee wears a dark floral crop top.
Lee looks stunning in this sheer top.
The retirement director keeps it simple in this white blazer and black skirt; a string of shells add Floridian flare.
Later that night, Lee and Bessie share some fond memories at the table.
The sisters again show their difference in their choice of nightgowns.
Lee wears a leopard print satin robe.
Bessie wears a floral housecoat.
Lee offers to style Bessie’s wig for her, her balding head is revealed.
Ruth is frightened out of her sleep and we get to see her housecoat and matching slippers; almost identical to the style of Bessie’s but in a purple shade.
Hank taunts Charlie in his sleep; Hank is sleeping in his shorts and a tank top. Charlie wears a white t-shirt and boxer shorts as pajamas.
The family goes to Walt Disney World; pictured here with the costumed character Donkey.
Everyone flaunts their individual style in the Disney scene. Ruth wears a colorful short set and Mickey ears; Charlie wears a Mickey shirt, his regular shorts and a Donald Duck hat. Lee wears a light blue sheer top, Hank in a red skull detail T-shirt. Bessie is revitalized in her newly styled wig, pink pedal pusher pants and a beige top.
Aunt Ruth studies a park map. This outfit is actually my Grandmothers, and she often paired it with this bag.
Bessie passes out and finds blood in her mouth.
Lee comforts Bessie who has been resting in the “Lost Children’s Hut”.
The two share a tender moment.
Vincent has been accepted into graduate school to chase after his other theatrical passion: acting! He will attend West Virginia University’s three year MFA acting program beginning in August 2012.
Erica recently graduated from The Paul Mitchell School and is a state board certified cosmetologist. With 5 years of practical experience in theatrical makeup, hair and wig design, she is ready to hit the ground running.
Ghost of Banquo Style 