The Fantasticks- meet crew member Juliana Cofrancesco!

Tell us a little about yourself:

I love costuming!   Working on theatrical productions has opened my world to the most amazing and creative people who together bring a story to life on the stage.  I am grateful for every opportunity to share moments with the many talented producers, directors, actors, musicians, and tech designers that I have worked with, and learned from, over the years.  I also cherish and applaud my creative team of costumers who imbue our costume pieces with sparkle and elan – Carol Pappas, Rosie Grefe, Megan Murphy, Claudia Atherton, and Yvonne French.  We are thrilled by the spell that occurs when the actors don on their costumes as the transformation of their characters’ personas are complete, and they take to the stage to capture the hearts of the audience by their rousing performance!

How does this show differ from other shows you have worked on?

This show is so much more than “boy meets girl and they fall in love.”  It explores many aspects of romantic love, beginning with the profoundly tender and passionate awakening of first love and evolving to the blossoming of mature love where the sheen has somewhat been tarnished by life events, failures, and disappointments, yet is open to second chances and redemption.  The story also explores the tumultuous evolution of familial love between and among parents and children.

What made you get involved in theatre? How did you get involved with LTA?

I first became involved in theatre by costuming children’s shows produced by churches and schools.  I was introduced to costuming community theater productions by the wonderful folks at McLean Community Players.  I was fortunate to receive many more costuming opportunities thereafter, including being invited to costume “A Christmas Carol” at LTA in 2016, followed by several other great productions at LTA and other theatre companies.  It has been an awesome experience to have worked with the talented cast and crew of all of these shows.

What advice would you give others who are interested in working in theatre?

Take a chance!  There are so many opportunities to share your talents and passion for the theatre.

What do you want the audience to experience/take away from this show?

Bring your tissue boxes, folks.  This show is filled with emotion and grace.  You’ll find yourself singing the beautiful songs in the days after you see this production.