Theoni Aldredge's Role In American Musical Theatre

Examination 3

American history is filled with a plethora of examples of women’s struggle to be equal with the men of this country. American musical theatre cannot be excluded on this account. The administrative and creative process of American musical theatre was often run by men. During a period when American musical theatre was heavily influenced by the male presence, Theoni Aldredge used her vast amount of connections to dominate Broadway. Aldredge brought her heritage and love of costume design to the world of American musical theatre

Aldredge’s career began during a time when costume designers did more than just design costumes. They had a working relationship with producers and directors. According to Iris Lilys, “[t]he designer has developed into a partner in the cooperative enterprise of author, director, set designer, all collaborating to

Theoni Aldredge was born Theoni Athanasiou Vachliotis on Aug. 22, 1922, in Salonika, Greece, and grew up in Athens. While she was in high school she attended an all-girls school called American College. Her time there greatly influenced her love for American culture and the arts. Aldredge was inspired to move to America to further her education in design and begin her career. At the end of her first year, Aldredge received a full scholarship for costume design. She designed her first show, The Distaff Side, while attending the Goodman Theatre of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her designs were noticed by Geraldine Page, an actress and alumni. Page later gave Aldredge her start in New York. Aldredge began her career by creating costumes for Page while she was “…in 1959 premiere of Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird of Youth” (Jones). During her time working on the show, Aldredge met the show’s director Elias Kazan. He and Page were only two of the many people who helped propel her