December 25, 2007

The Tailors Behind Jersey Boys

December 25th, 2007

Patrick McGeehan of the New York Times has a fascinating story about Saint Laurie, one of the last custom suitmakers in Manhattan. This company has created almost all of the outfits worn by the actors portraying Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons since Jersey Boys opened on Broadway two years ago. What started as a small order has grown to more than 400 garments as the show has expanded to other cities. Jersey Boys now accounts for about one-third of St. Laurie’s business, helping to reverse the company’s declining fortunes.

Having a show branch out from Broadway to stages across the country and beyond can be a boon to many of the small businesses that serve New York’s theater industry. The League of American Theaters and Producers estimated that touring Broadway shows spend about $185 million annually in the city, on top of $755 million spent by the Broadway productions.

“There will be times, maybe even a whole month, where we wouldn’t have very much work, but because of Jersey Boys, it’s kept us busy,” said Rosi Zingales, owner of the Studio Rouge costume shop, which outfits the three actresses in the show.

Visit New York Times to read the full story.

3 Comments »

  1. Hi there!

    The costumes & tailoring are “impeccable, awesome & flawlessly time-warped” in this show!

    The owners of Saint Laurie and Studio Rouge are to be applauded for their outstanding theatre re-production talents and craftmanship! Any “oops”; please forward!

    Comment by NewJerseyLasagna — December 25, 2007 @ 8:14 pm

  2. I like how someone that isn’t in charge of the blog posts up pratically most of the news on here…and she’s not even from New York.

    Way to be on top of things.

    Comment by KL — December 26, 2007 @ 7:56 pm

  3. Some of this stuff is posted in the forum first, KL. ;)

    Comment by Leanna — December 26, 2007 @ 10:54 pm

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