Costumes Will Dazzle At Sacred Heart Show

Once a year, a group of dedicated people at Sacred Heart Medical Center takes on a monumental task - producing a musical variety show that’s very nearly Broadway-worthy.

They sing, dance and strut their stuff across the stage for two hours to raise funds for the Sister Peter Claver Endowment Fund.

This year’s production, “Swingin’ at the Heart,” promises to be another winner.

From the opening number to the final curtain call, the audience will witness a frolicking romp set in a night club from the Big Band era.

One important element of the show’s success is the costuming.

Producer/director Jaime Donegan spent hours searching for costumes to reflect the styles of the 1930s and ‘40s.

Since it would be practically impossible to locate 15 or 18 identical 60-year-old dresses in sizes 4 to 24, Donegan uses clothing that reflects the look of the time period.

“I don’t need authentic clothing so much as costumes that have the essence for the era,” says Donegan.

One favorite costume source is a clothing warehouse in his hometown of Philadelphia.

As luck would have it, this past spring many Philadelphia-area high schools chose the ‘30s and ‘40s as senior prom themes. The result was a surplus of clothing reminiscent of the era but in fabrics much more durable and less expensive than the rayon and silk of the original styles.

Donegan purchased most of the costumes at this one warehouse.

That means enough dresses and tuxedos to outfit the entire 150-member cast in a total of 675 pounds of fabric, sequins and feather boas with a retail value of $8,000.

“Swingin’ at the Heart” will be at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Opera House. Tickets are $6 and are available by calling 622-2101.

There’s little doubt this will be an enjoyable performance. Be sure to pay attention to the costumes. They’re a treat for anyone who remembers wearing the styles and a glimpse of fashion history for younger audience members.

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