New York: Patricia Zipprodt, a celebrated Broadway costume designer, is honoured with a posthumous memoir detailing her influential career and personal insights. The book, featuring original sketches and a foreword by Joel Grey, explores her groundbreaking work and lasting impact on both theatre and fashion.
Patricia Zipprodt, a prominent figure in the world of theatrical design, is being celebrated through her posthumous memoir set for release on February 6. Known for her remarkable contributions to Broadway, the ten-time Tony Award-nominated designer, who won the accolade three times, crafted the costumes for several iconic productions, including the original versions of “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Cabaret,” “Pippin,” and “Sunday in the Park with George.” Zipprodt’s influence extended beyond the stage, as she also lent her talents to film, most notably by designing costumes for the celebrated movie “The Graduate.”
The memoir, titled “If the Song Doesn’t Work, Change the Dress,” was written by Zipprodt alongside writer and former drama professor Arnold Wengrow. This collection not only chronicles her impressive career, which spanned 56 Broadway shows but also delves into her personal life, offering insights into her childhood and the early steps she took within the industry. Readers will discover Zipprodt’s professional dynamics with notable directors such as Harold Prince and Jerome Robbins, as well as her extensive research processes that underpinned her celebrated designs.
With a foreword contributed by Joel Grey, the acclaimed star of “Cabaret,” along with the Tony-winning costume designer Ann Hould-Ward, the memoir is adorned with Zipprodt’s original sketches and production photographs, providing a unique glimpse into the creative genius behind many beloved theatrical productions. An exclusive excerpt from the chapter related to “Cabaret” promises to showcase Zipprodt’s artistic vision and the legacy she left in the world of theatre.
Through her innovative designs and dedication to the craft, Zipprodt significantly influenced fashion in the realm of Broadway, embodying the retro aesthetics and nostalgic flair that continue to inspire modern celebrity style and vintage-inspired looks in pop culture.
Source: Noah Wire Services
