It is one of the most magical moments in the production of “Cinderella.” With Cinderella’s hopes of attending Prince Charming’s ball after her evil stepsisters tear her gown to shreds dashed, her fairy godmother appears in the garden. She transforms her appearance for the ball, turning her torn dress into a beautiful silver dress with glass slippers.
While the cinematic version may make this transformation seem to happen in a finger snap, those who have tackled Cinderella’s dramatic costume change on the stage know it’s a bit different.
Anne Wonder is one of these people. The local seamstress and avid supporter of the local arts has taken on the challenging dress and its unique transformation.
“Cinderella’s dress was probably the most important one I’ve ever done because if it didn’t work, the magic was gone. It was so integral to the scene,” she said.
Many elements contribute to the magic we see on stage during a theatrical production. And costumes are one such element necessary for creating spectacle and building character — for example, the red dress and curly wig in “Annie,” the blue pinafore and red shoes in “The Wizard of Oz,” and the mask in “The Phantom of the Opera.” All iconic costumes or pieces became as essential to the production as the actors who wore them. They must be special to be appreciated from the front row to the back of the balcony.
Wonder is a mainstay on the local theatrical stage, having put together, sewn, and created countless pieces for productions at South Jackson Civic Center. She understands the magic a costume can have on the actor and show.
“I love being part of it and making the clothes fit the character,” she said. “We don’t want the outfit to stand out necessarily; we want it to blend in. I don’t want the audience to wonder why a character is wearing something that doesn’t fit in the production.”
Wonder’s involvement in the local theatre is thanks to her daughter, Erica Petersen.
Wonder and her husband, Frank, are both Tullahoma natives. The family moved back after Frank retired from the Navy. Upon moving to Tullahoma, Petersen got into the theatre scene by auditioning for a local play.
Petersen then became heavily involved in performing with the South Jackson Civic Center, leading to more behind-the-scenes avenues, such as directing. She has also carried her love of the arts into the school system. She currently serves as the choral music director at Coffee County Central High.
“I teach choir and one section of Theatre 1,” said Petersen. “It’s a lot of fun. I oversee the choir program and am the fine arts department chair. I work with all departments and ensure everyone is thriving.”
Continuing her reach in the arts, she also works with local theatrical programs such as Performing Arts for Children and Teens. Through all of her theatrical pursuits, Petersen looks to her mother as someone to lend a hand and help bring her productions to life.
“I completely trust her,” said Petersen. “She has great vision and has always been good with colors and design. Every time we moved, she would decorate our house and make it look amazing. She sewed curtains and made our Halloween costumes. So I knew she could make it happen regarding productions.”
Both mom and daughter say they enjoy working together and seeing a production come along.
“I tell her our color scheme or whatever we’re going for, and she’ll go to work making it happen. She is very resourceful and can make a costume out of almost anything,” said Petersen.
Anne said she is proud to be a part of something supporting her daughter and the local theatre.
“I love to create something special for people, but sometimes I just pull off what we already have. It’s amazing when you see just how magical a costume can be,” she added.
Along with Anne, Petersen has recruited the entire family into the local theatre — from her parents to her brother to her husband, Erik, who directs and acts. Her daughters, Charlotte and Aurora, are also getting an early start on the stage.
Erica said she is blessed to have her family involved in something she loves. While not every family is like hers, she added that theatre is one big family.
“The best thing about seeing others become involved in theatre is that they realize they have found a family,” she explained. “It’s a good expression for the community. So whether they know it or not, they need it.”
And as with any family, Erica said there is a place for everyone to contribute, regardless of skill.
“There is a place for everybody in theatre,” said Erica. “That’s why I love it. If you just want to be offstage and move furniture, there’s something for you. If you want to push buttons and be technical, there’s something for you. If you want to sew and design costumes, there’s something for you, or if you want to be the star, there is something for you. The theatre is for everyone.” GN
