How do we do black and white makeup for the b&w scenes in stage version of Wizard of Oz?

Question

I'm talking about the Kansas scenes, how do we make them black and white and how do we change Dorothy from the black and white makeup to color since this is a quick change.

Answer 1

to be honest, i dont think it would look that great if you did black and white makeup and stuff in the stage version. i agree with kelli, just make the colors and everything duller. and for dorothy, have her wear the same dress but in a duller color and underneath give her a brighter color dress. make the dull one a tear off one, like cut it down the back and put velcro there so when she has to do the quickchange she can just rip it right off.

Answer 2

Kansas is sepia rather than black and white - which makes a difference!  Given that Dorothy isn't a character who needs to look "made-up", why not use neutral tones for Kansas, and then just a different lipstick colour when she lands in Munchkinland?  Eyes can be made up as normal (black eyeliner and mascara, just a neutral shadow).  Looking at the DVD of the production I was involved with, that's what we did although I don't even think they bothered with a new lipstick colour (too long ago for me to remember!).  Also, the lighting department should probably be able to help - there's a gel colour called "chocolate" which makes everything look very sepia-toned anyway and will enhance the effect if the costumes are black/white/brown.  Link to pictures from our production below - they might help you out some!

http://www.malvernhostick.com/xTheatre%2...

Answer 3

actually, it's only in the movie that the black and white applied, not in the stage version. however, when my school did this show they made kansas look dull compared to Oz by keeping the clothing worn, and brown tones.