Top 10 Iconic Musical Theatre Costumes

When the stage version of Disney’s smash hit, “Frozen”, premiered on Broadway, creators faced the challenge of adapting the animated universe for live action. Just like Belle’s dress in the “Beauty and the Beast” stage adaptation, it was crucial to make Elsa’s dress unique from the film version. When it came to recreating the famous icy blue dress, Christopher Oram left no snowflake unturned. From intricate embroidery to hand painting the sheer fabric, it takes approximately 400 hours to produce just one dress - which is tailored specifically for each performer that steps into Elsa’s shoes. Encrusted in Swarovski crystals, the dress isn’t an identical replica of the onscreen gown, but rather an inspired piece that makes for one show-stopping on stage quick change.

Designed by Paul Tazewell, the 1700s-inspired garbs from “Hamilton” weren’t just created for historical accuracy, but something far deeper. Case in point: the Schuyler Sisters make their unforgettable entrances sporting three similar yet distinct dresses. The gowns, known as robe a l’anglaise, are a style of dress popularized in the 18th century and known for its firm bodice. In an interview with the L.A. Times, Tazewell states that he carefully selected the colors for each sister to represent their own emotional journeys throughout the show. While still bearing similarities to each other, the costumes both stand out on their own but together, ensuring this trio is nothing short of revolutionary.

Made famous in the 1950s, this gown is something to behold and one of the most recognizable pieces in Broadway history. Originally designed by renowned costumer, Irene Sharaff, who went on to win the Oscar for the film adaptation in 1956, it became a staple in every revival and production that followed. In the 2015 revival starring Kelli O’Hara, the dress made its triumphant return by way of designer Catherine Zuber, who put her own spin on it. Made of satin, the jawdropper included a steel hoop and required a lot of trial and error to figure out the complicated mechanics so it could keep up with the choreography of “Shall We Dance?”. The iconic masterpiece is a friendly reminder that costume design isn’t only an art, it’s a science.

In Julie Taymor’s groundbreaking adaptation of Disney’s “The Lion King”, Pride Rock is masterfully replicated onstage. Using the theatrical practice of masks, Taymor collaborated with puppet designer Michael Curry to create intricate masks to bring characters like Simba to life. Using imagery such as the sun, the duo created the masks accordingly. For characters like Timon who didn’t use masks, they relied on a fusion of the puppetry and dressing the performers in complimentary costumes. Running since 1997, the musical has been internationally acclaimed for its costume work that paved the way for other ambitious designs for turning animated content to life, like the genie in “Aladdin”.

Carol Channing, Bette Midler and Bernadette Peters are some of the lucky Broadway divas who have gotten an opportunity to tackle Broadway’s famous matchmaker, Dolly Gallagher Levi. Among her most famous costumes is a drop dead gorgeous red satin number designed by Freddy Wittop. During the Harmonia Gardens scene, Dolly makes an entrance to end all entrances in this dazzling number complete with a feathered hat. Each revival has taken a unique approach to the design and so does the 1969 film version with Barbra Streisand, but no matter their differences, each one is a true showstopper.

Not all costumes need to be elaborate or over-the-top to be full of depth and creativity. For Emily Rebholz, “Dear Evan Hansen” designer, her contemporary pieces are simplistic in theory but the ideas behind them are all about character. Evan’s famous blue polo has become synonymous with the show and has audiences seeing the style of shirt in a whole new light. Reserved and introverted, the costume represents his internal state. Having him dress in garments that blend in does a great job of highlighting that. His cast, which serves as a plot point, also takes on a character of its own and requires plastering and sawing before and after every performance. When it comes to contemporary design, simplicity is more than skin deep.

This costume is so iconic that it’s literally in the title! This early Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber show is inspired by the biblical tale of “Joseph” and the “Book of Genesis”. In the late ‘90s, teen idol, Donny Osmond, starred in a film version of the musical, which is arguably the most well known incarnation of the show. With many tours and versions of the show, designers like Judith Dolan and Mark Thompson all had their chance at tackling the famous coat, which features 29 different colors and even gets its own song appropriately titled: “Joseph’s Coat”. From red to olive to azure, this costume proves that clothing makes the man.

From the moment the curtain drops, “Wicked” is a feast for the eyes with so many dazzling technical feats and special effects. From Elphaba’s witchy ruffled getup to the Ozian’s green outfits, everything is immaculate. Right off the top, Glinda's Bubble Dress makes a stunning entrance that deserves its own applause. Tony Award winning designer Susan Hilferty conceptualized the piece, which features scalloped layers and a soft blue hue with such vibrant sparkles that it’s even visible from the back of the house. Reportedly inspired by the weddings of the British Monarchy, including Princess Diana, Glinda's dress emphasizes her status and encapsulates her journey from spoiled socialite to beloved head of state.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s collection of poems, “Cats” leaped its way on the stage in the early ‘80s and became one of the most legendary shows in the musical theater canon. Designed by John Napier, the costumes consist of unitards that allow for optimum mobility and flexibility for the performers. Incorporating feline-like qualities such as fur, Napier’s costumes balance out the uncanniness of performers pretending to be animals and allow audiences to suspend their disbelief. For “Cats”, the costume design is one of the most vital components to making this surreal piece of theater work.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Hedwig’s All-Jean Outfit, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
A Denim Ensemble Designed by Arianne Phillips

Annie’s Dress, “Annie”
Iconic Red Number Designed by Theoni V. Aldredge

Donna and the Dynamos Outfits, “Mamma Mia!”
Flashy, Bright & Vibrant

Mormon Uniforms , “The Book of Mormon”
Crisp White Shirts, Black Ties & Black Pants Designed by Ann Roth

Angel’s Christmas Outfit, “Rent”
A Fancy & Lively Number Inspired by Santa Claus

Based on the 1910 work by novelist Gaston Leroux, this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic about a masked figure who haunts a Parisian opera house, opened on Broadway in 1988 and has remained there ever since (the pandemic suspension notwithstanding). Late designer Maria Björnson crafted a dazzling array of costumes for “Phantom’s” large cast, including Christine’s iconic “Think of Me” dress. Her most well-known design was for the villainous title character, featuring a silk suit and half mask. The mask, which is integral to the entire plot, is featured on the official poster and to this day is still plastered across the musical’s promotional material and merchandising. There's no doubt that part of the show’s commercial success is all thanks to Björnson’s ingenious design.