parterre box

43 comments

• Erstegeiger says:

  Those EYES~!!

  What’s wrong with her eyes?

  Drew

  on September 17, 2008 at 2:25 PM
• hndymn says:

  theatrical makeup goes thru fashion cycles like everything else—I’m pretty sure her eye makeup was intended to make the eyes appear larger or read better in a big house. In a close-up portrait it just looks odd, but then ALL theatrical makeup looks odd seen close-up. I remember in my college days we hoped for the same effect by putting a dot of bright red greasepaint at the inside corner of the eye, next to the nose. Didn’t do a damn thing, as I recall…

  on September 17, 2008 at 2:36 PM
• Rinaldo says:

  It was maybe injudicious to let this close-up photo circulate in public, but I bet she looked great from a distance. In addition to the expert help she received from hair and makeup experts like the late Ms. Lawson, Sutherland got to be very savvy about how best to present herself onstage, and learned to use her height and her build as advantages.

  As to the subject at hand, I’m glad to be reminded of any of those great technicians who work behind the scenes so unceasingly, and do so much for our enjoyment. Thanks.

  on September 17, 2008 at 2:46 PM
• jwb says:

  With the black streaks under the eyes the Dame looks like a football player – complete with helmet! (Sorry. I do love Joan!) And I agree with Rinaldo – here’s to all the backstage/behind the scenes workers that make our beloved Opera possible! Cheers!

  on September 17, 2008 at 2:51 PM
• La Cieca says:

  Drew:

  I think Dame Joan’s makeup is an exaggerated (or more exaggerate) version of the classic 1960s high fashion makeup.

  

  on September 17, 2008 at 2:55 PM
• Rukidn says:

  I think it is amazing……brava Lawson, you’ll be missed.

  on September 17, 2008 at 3:07 PM
• Max Zook says:

  My first thought was that she was wearing pince-nez, which were briefly the rage amongst the Brit hippies in the late ‘sixties.

  on September 17, 2008 at 3:30 PM
• Tubsinger says:

  Max, didn’t Mrs. Beasley wear the pince-nez? Who knew? Carnaby Street at Unka Beel’s house!

  on September 17, 2008 at 3:42 PM
• tannengrin says:

  Ms Lawson must have had one of the most interesting, challenging and frustrating jobs. Can you imagine standing between a singer’s idea of what makes her/him/it pretty and a director’s idea of a look suitable for the production? If they were both the same, peace & harmony reigned, but if not…

  If Ms Lawson didn’t publish a book of anecdotes, she must be admired for her restraint!

  on September 17, 2008 at 4:40 PM
• La Cieca says:

  Max Zook: and what’s more, she’s carrying a box of eggs inside her wig.

  on September 17, 2008 at 4:40 PM