Seamstress behind the Scenes: ‘Wicked’ costume designer receives TDF Award

Bessie Nelson has been pefecting her bead work design since she was nine years old - a feat that sounds pretty impressive until one learns that the youngster had become such a pro at the craft by age 14 that she was classified as “the best little beader” in the city - that is, in small town New Jersey.

But it didn’t take long for Nelson to move toward the bright lights - New York City -  and open her own shop. Soon Nelson was receiving major attention from producers of “The Carol Burnett Show” and “The Sonny and Cher Show,” not to mention working with major celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Liberace, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Neil Diamond. It was no surprise when Nelson received this year’s Theater Development Fund (TDF)/Irene Sharaff Award for her work on costumes such as the smash hit Broadway musical Wicked, according to an article published Monday, Jan. 28 at the official Broadway World Web site.

Nelson is known for her beadwork on costumes for major musicals such as Guys and Dolls, Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone, Crazy for You, Beauty and the Beast and Miss Saigon, according to Broadway World. She is also credited for producing the stunning attire worn by actresses such as Julia Roberts in the film “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” as well as Bette Middler, Glenn Close and Nicole Kidman in the “Stepford Wives.” Nelson has produced gowns worn by Liza Minnelli,  Meryl Streep and  Shirely MacLaine.

What’s even more impressive than Nelson’s long list of credits, is the fact that Wicked, the smash hit musical that is now being produced in theaters all over the world, is in its fifth consecutive year of performances and still going strong with audiences of all ages. Still haven’t seen this classic tale of what happened in Oz long before Dorothy dropped in? Get Wicked tickets right here and right now at Stubhub.com.

Posted in Uncategorized on January 28, 2008

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