Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

For the summer arts and culture season, we’ve revived ‘Seven With Sue’ – a sort of quick Q&A with seven questions (and a plus one!) To kick off this new-ish series, we are talking this week with creators involved with Madame Clicquot opening on Thursday.  Pittsburgh CLO is proud to present this exclusive world premiere at the Byham Theater before its journey to Broadway and the West End.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, MADAME CLICQUOT: A Revolutionary Musical tells the remarkable true story of a young woman who defied societal expectations to become one of the most powerful forces in the history of champagne. In 1789, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin flees her boarding school as revolution engulfs France. A decade later, an arranged marriage to François Clicquot, the son of her father’s business rival, unexpectedly leads to an innovative partnership in winemaking. But when tragedy strikes, she faces an impossible choice – surrender to fate or risk everything to change the industry forever. With innovation, resilience, and a bold gamble that could make or break her legacy, she takes on the male-dominated world of Champagne, transforming the industry and securing her place in history.

I posted the cast album below so you can enjoy the songs. Pittsburgh has such a vibrant cultural scene. I’m always pleased to see feminist productions and this tale looks pretty cool.

Next up is a Pittsburgh native, Janet Campbell who offers us insight into costuming.

Your Name: JANET CAMPBELL: 

Your Pronouns: (She/Her)

Your Affiliation with the Production: Costume Designer and Costumier

1. Tell us about your connection to Pittsburgh. Born and raised in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, studied Fashion Design in Pittsburgh. Worked at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

2. How does your work on this production change the way you look at the world? Better understanding of the Napoleon era and a women’s place at that time in history.

3. Tell us about an under-appreciated or underutilized cultural resource in this region.
Pittsburgh is very vibrant culturally.  We have our own Opera, Ballet, Symphony, Public Theatre and other arts organizations that need to be supported.  We don’t know how lucky we are and we need to support them. 

4. With whom in the Pittsburgh region would you like to collaborate? Over the years I have worked with American Wind Symphony, Opera Workshop, Dance Alloy, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Civic Light Opera. I have taught master classes at University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon and would love to work with other arts organizations.

5. How do the arts contribute to a livable city? We have a viable Arts Organizations in Pittsburgh. Attending the Arts rejuvenates you.

6. Why does musical theater in general and this show in particular have such widespread appeal?
A strong women in that period and time defied the women’s place in society and proved that a woman should not be defined by her gender.  And this musical tells a story of that in a light and entertaining way

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7. Please list two or three local creators to whom we should be paying attention and tell us why? Susan Tsu who I worked with when I first started out as a seamstress at Pittsburgh Playhouse.  Kyle Abraham and Stacie Pearl choreographers that I worked with at the ballet.  Henry Heymann Costume and Set Designer that taught at the University of Pittsburgh who was one of my mentors.  Each of them are extremely artistic. 

Plus One: You have a storied career with the Pittsburgh Ballet. Are there any specific challenges moving from ballet to musical theater or other genres when it comes to costume design? I was always very aware of the movement of the performer and always tried to use fabrics and cuts to emphasize it. For instance the Regency period has very straight cut skirts, I have made them much fuller so they will flow beautifully when they dance.  I also lengthened the back of the bodice to give a better line to the body.  At the Ballet I didn’t have to worry about microphones.  I love the music.

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Madame Clicquot is at the Byham May 29 – June 8.Call 412-456-6666 or visit PittsburghCLO.org