Part of my training as an actor in New York City was learning the art of theatrical makeup, which differs from everyday makeup. Through theater makeup, I learned so much about contouring, highlighting, camouflage, and color theory.
Makeup was something that fascinated me. So much so that I became a professional makeup artist for stage, photographs, film, and as a rep for various cosmetic companies. In the early 80s, I went to cosmetology school and got my license.
Many people do not realize the importance of makeup when performing onstage. Not only does it make you feel more like the character, but it also allows the audience (anywhere from 350-1,000 seats in the theater) to see your facial expressions from a distance. That's why, up close, theater makeup looks overly exaggerated. But to the people sitting in the audience, it appears natural. For me, my makeup and costume gave me that extra something, which allowed me to become the character. When I looked like the character, I felt like the character.
Below, you will see some of my stage roles - the makeup I did myself. However, many talented people were an important part of these productions (directors, set designers, stage managers, lighting and sound technicians, costume and wig makers). That's what I love about theater. It feels like a community. A family. You rely so much on each other to create the whole. The theater is like knitting an article of clothing. It requires each piece of yarn to create the final product.
My longtime bloggers have already seen many of these photos from previous posts, however, I added some new ones. I also cropped them larger so that you could see the makeup in more detail.
Please enjoy....
-----------------------------------
Here I am (center), as The Wicked Stepmother in the musical, 'Cinderella', which I did at a professional children's theater in Orlando, Florida.
In this role, I had to do a complete transformation. And not only in makeup and hair, but also in body. The costume designer constructed a female form that comprised breasts, a bustier, hips, and a bustle that I put on before putting on my formal dress. I also wore tights, pantaloons and a petticoat. And of course, high-heels. I had the time of my life performing this role...
The character of the Emcee in 'Cabaret' represents a complex mix of themes, including German nightlife, sexual freedom, and the rise of the Nazi regime. The Emcee is also a symbolic figure who comments on the political and societal atmosphere of 1930s Germany.
In this role, my makeup was primarily about contouring and highlighting my face so that I would look dark and sinister. What was really interesting about this character was that he was androgynous. In some of the musical numbers, I was male. And in others, I was female. In my dressing room, I created a written list that I taped to my makeup mirror to remind me of my costume and makeup changes throughout the show because I had a lot of them.
This photograph was from the final scene of the show, in which I looked as though the life had been drained from me. A skeleton. At that moment, I represented what Hitler was diabolically doing in Germany...
As Patrone (a drugged-out saxophone player) in a bizarre one-act play by Sam Shepard entitled,'Suicide in B Flat'...
As the evil Barnaby (with cast members) in the musical, 'Babes in Toyland'...
In the French farce comedy, 'A Flea in Her Ear', I played Homenidès de Histangua, an insanely jealous Spaniard; paranoid his wife was cheating on him. I spoke with a Spanish accent in this role...
Isn't this a beautiful set?
These last three photographs are Halloween costumes and makeup I created.
I dressed as Norma Desmond from the movie, 'Sunset Boulevard'. My friends dressed as Aladdin and Jasmine. We had so much fun that night!...
Here I am as Pan (I apologize for the poor quality of this photograph)...
Pan was the Greek god of shepherds, hunters, and the wilds of nature. He was born with the legs of a goat and horns on his head, symbolizing his wild nature. A good friend of mine at the time made my hairy goat legs. She filled them with foam rubber to accentuate their shape. I used a liquid adhesive to glue more hair on my chest and chin, and then added the horns to my head. You do not know what a royal pain it was to use the restroom at the nightclub that evening...
.jpg)
One Halloween, I dressed as a grungy biker dude. The beard stubble and shadowing on my cheeks, under my eyes, and the little scar under my left eye were all done with makeup...
When I took my first stage makeup class in NYC, it included a Ben Nye makeup kit. This brings back such great memories...
⭐ Have a stellar week, everyone!⭐
Ron, between the costumes and makeup of the characters you played, I am amazed! Since I only recently found your blog, I've never seen these pictures. WOW! I love them all, but I keep staring at the one of you as The Wicked Stepmother and wondered how much prep time you needed before your performances. How long did it take you to get ready? Oh, I would have loved to seen you in that role.
ReplyDeleteI got chills reading about the Emcee in Cabaret. I've never seen the stage production, but I have seen the film (many times) and it's chilling. Does the play version differ from the film?
You as Norma Desmond is incredible! You even have the finger cigarette holder like the one she used in the movie.
What an entertaining and educational post, Ron! I'm going to share this with a dear friend of mine who loves the theater.
These are all so wonderful, Ron, but you as the grungy biker dude looks so REAL! I love your hair and head scarf. Are eating an apple? LOL!
ReplyDeleteBeing Spanish, I would love to have heard your accent. Did you speak Spanish in the play, or did you speak English with a Spanish accent? Yes, that set is so beautiful. I can't believe how luxurious it is!
"For me, my makeup and costume gave me that extra something, which allowed me to become the character. When I looked like the character, I felt like the character." --- that is so cool. And makes perfect sense, Ron!
As The Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella, how quick did you get accustom to wear high-heels?
I always enjoy hearing about your many different careers, Ron. You've traveled down so many interesting paths and have many different talents. xox
By the way, did you watch the Oscars?
Ron, how in the world did you ever use the restroom with those goat legs? Was there a zipper? And did the rubber foam stay put, or did you have to restuff it every time you peed? Curious minds want to know LOL!
ReplyDeleteThe makeup you did on each of these characters was transformational. LOVE you as The Wicked Stepmother. I so wish I could have see you in person onstage doing that role. I bet you had so much fun. Your Norma Desmond CRACKED ME UP! The expression on your face is priceless. You friends costumes are so creative as well.
How did you black out your teeth as Mr. Smee?
Thoroughly entertaining post, Ron. Superb photos!
Hi Barbara!
ReplyDeleteThat's right, you would not have seen these photos before. Glad you enjoyed them. A large percentage of my longtime blogging friends have seen most of these in previous posts. But I did add a few new ones.
It took me over an hour to do my makeup and then get dressed. The costumer designer would kindly help me put on the dress because I needed to have him zip me up and make sure the female form was aligned with the dress. He also helped me with putting on the wig and pinning it with hair pins so that it wouldn't fall off onstage. Ha! We did two, and sometimes three shows a day. On Saturdays, we would do two shows during the day, and then one at night.
Yup...I even added the finger cigarette holder that she used in the film. At the time, I used to smoke, so I would use it all night.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fabulous week!
X
Hola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteYes, I did speak some Spanish in the play, but I mainly spoke English with a Spanish accent. At the time, one of my acting buddies was Cuban, so he really helped me with the accent.
Isn't that set stunning? Luxurious indeed! The theater company who ran the show was so professional. I felt honored to be a part of that company.
For me, once I have a get a grip on the "physical part" of the character, the "inner part" of the character seems to just happen. I like work from the outside in. Some actors work from the inside out. To each his/her own.
I asked the director if he could provide me with the high-heel shoes from the first rehearsal because I knew that I would have to feel comfortable walking and dancing in the show. If I recall, I think he and I went to Payless one afternoon to get my shoes. I wear a women's size 9 shoe. Ha!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Have a great rest of your week!
X
OMG, Daniel, it was truly a ROYAL pain in my ass to use the restroom. And no, the goat legs did not have a zipper, I had to PIN myself in. So I would have to unpin, pee, then re-pin it. My friend did such an amazing job getting them sized to me. So, once I got them in place, they stay there and didn't move - even when I was dancing!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The Wicked Stepmother will go down as one of my top two favorite roles. The other one is the Emcee in Cabaret. But I really enjoyed all the roles I had the chance to do throughout my career.
There is a specific tooth black out product that is sold at theatrical makeup stores. It looks like a bottle of nail polish (Black Out) that I simply painted on my teeth. And every performance I would choose different teeth, just for the hell of it. To remove it, I would take a little bit of alcohol on a Q-tip and gentle run it over my teeth.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Daniel! Hope you're having a terrific week!
X
Ron, so interesting hear how the play differs from the film. And I can see that. The film was such a catalyst for Liza's career. And she was awesome as Sally Bowles, wasn't she?
ReplyDeleteWow Ron, look at you with that gun!!! Did you ever get to shoot it? LOL!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to see you transformed into different roles. Is there any that you enjoyed the most? You're right, makeup is an art. And I can just imagine how powerful it can be for the stage.
I love the picture of you as Barnaby and the entire cast. And such an attractive cast!
You sing opera too?
Question: did you ever forget your lines while performing live? I have always wondered how actors resolved that.
Do you still do makeup?
Morning, Abby!
ReplyDeleteHa! No, I never actually shot the gun, I just threaten anyone who I "assumed" was cheating with my wife. It was a very funny role because he was crazed with jealously and I played him with lots of humor. Therefore, the audience found him amusing.
With the exception of many one or two, I enjoyed all the roles I performed. But my favorite top two are the Emcee in Cabaret and The Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella.
No, I am not an opera singer. However, I do sing. I only had two singing lines in La Bohème that were so out of my singing range, but I was able to do it. The director who hired me, LIED, and said that I would have no problem singing the two lines. But when I went to rehearsal and actually HEARD the lines, I almost freaked. Even though I was scared of the role, I really enjoyed being part of an opera.
Yes, I have forgotten not only speaking lines but also singing line whiles onstage. You just do your best to get back on track and PRAY you get through it. LOL!
In my line of work (the beauty industry), I am still involved with makeup but not as much as I used to be. I'm more focused on skincare.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your questions, Abby! Happy Wednesday!
X
Yes, she was freaking AWESOME as Sally Bowles! In fact, after I saw the film (first) it was so hard to see anyone else do the role other than Liza. However, Judi Dench played Sally in the 1968 West End production. I've seen film clips of the live show and she was FABULOUS! But then again, I love anything Judi Dench does.
ReplyDeleteRon, I think I recall seeing some of these photographs in a post years ago. But I don't care because it was such delight seeing them again. And you're right, several I've never seen.
ReplyDeleteThe one of you as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella is INCREDIBLE! Love you're brows. They look a lot like Huda Kattan!!!! Can't believe how much went into creating that costume. Interesting to hear about the "female form." I bet it added so much to looking like a female. And I applaud you for wearing the high-heels because as a woman, even I can't walk in them. lol!
How cute you and Jim are as Mr. Smee and Captain Hook.
"The theater is like knitting an article of clothing. It requires each piece of yarn to create the final product." - I really like how you expressed that.
Thanks for the smiles this morning, Ron! If you ever go back onstage, let me know, I'd love to see you! xoxo
BRAVO, RON, BRAVO!!!! Some of these pictures were new to me, so this was fun! It's amazing what can be done with makeup! Oddly enough, I feel like your character Parpignol is the least recognizable version of you! Like if I saw this picture online somewhere else, I'd never guess it was you. Though that Wicked Stepmother role is a close second. You were really transformed into a homely old lady in that one!
ReplyDeleteOut of all of those shows, I think I'd have loved to see you as the jealous Spaniard and hear your fake accent. You look really sexy in that hat and cape! LOL! And the fact that you are pointing a gun while casually having your other hand in your pocket is FABULOUS!
Okay, and that US pin and flag button on your biker shirt is hilarious to me! Also, the saxophone druggie! That had to have been the '80's, right? Your cast in Babes In Toyland look like so much fun. I sure wish I could have seen you perform in all of these, Ron!
Thank you so much for sharing all these fun photos with us! Much enjoyed, Ron. Have a sunshine-filled day. XO
Gooood morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear you enjoyed seeing these again. Digging through a box of old photos, I found some other ones I hadn't posted, so I grabbed them.
"They look a lot like Huda Kattan!!!!"
Bwhahahahaha! OMG, you're so right. They do look like Huda Kattan! But back then, she wasn't the makeup guru she is today. In fact, she may not even have been born yet. I think I did that show back in the early 90s.
Yes, the underlining female form gave me a whole different shape. And if I remember correctly, the costume designer said he made my boobs 38 DD. Ha! The heels I got used to very fast. I was surprised.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by today, Candice! Your comment made ME smile!
Have a great day and week!
X
Aw....thank you, my friend! X
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing what can be done with makeup? And I never really knew it until I took that stage makeup course and started working with it. It literally taught me everything I needed to know about contouring, highlighting, and color theory. It was a great education that prepared me for other careers I had involoving makeup.
"Oddly enough, I feel like your character Parpignol is the least recognizable version of you! Like if I saw this picture online somewhere else, I'd never guess it was you."
I know, that makeup was very extreme because it was performed in an opera house that had over 1,000 seats, so I really had to overdo it. I don't even recognize myself. Ha!
Yes, I make a VERY unattractive woman. I look like my Italian grandmother who had a moustache. LOL!
And it's funny you mentioned the Spaniard holding the gun because throughout the entire play, I carried that gun; threatening to shoot anyone who came near my wife. I would suddenly RUN into a room, pointing and waving the gun, expecting to catch her cheating on me. It was so funny. Whenver I would walk onstage, the audience would just start laughing before I even said anything.
"Okay, and that US pin and flag button on your biker shirt is hilarious to me! "
Do you know what's ironic? Someone else (who I showed that picture to) said the same thing about the US pin and flag. And in all honesty, I cannot remember HOW or WHY I made them part of my costume. And even WHERE I got them. It's a total mystery to me.
And yes, you're right, it was back in the mid to late 80s. I performed that show at the Tropical Theater in Orlando, Florida. STRANGE play.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaabulous rest of your day and week!
X
What wonderful things can be done with makeup! The transformations here are all soooo cool. I do remember many of those photos. Maybe the Parpignol was new to me, and Barnaby? Every one, just so much creativity is evident!
ReplyDeleteYou know, my fav is Cabaret. And I saw Joel Grey in the Emcee role twice. Well, actually the first time he wasn't able to perform the full role so maybe his understudy did the voice from a side balcony and Joel was on stage. The other time when they did the Money song he came down the aisle throwing paper money and I grabbed one. Hmm, do I still have it?? Hmm?
Those must have been some really fun, interesting, and amazing years both performing and doing theatrical makeup. Excellent choice for a post, loved it!!!
Hope you're having a good week. Whew, this wind today. I'm really ready for Spring now.
THIS. IS. AMAZING. Ron, I am so impressed with all of your costumes, makeup, and facial expressions. You become your characters! I loved all of this so much. I’m bookmarking this to show Ella—she’s been doing cosplay since she was little. She loves styling wigs and doing makeup, so she’ll definitely love this.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always admired Rick Baker. Have you ever seen the making of the Thriller video? They show the process of Michael Jackson becoming the monster, and Rick Baker did all of his makeup.
I loved hearing about your evolution from acting to going to cosmetology school. The way you fell in love with makeup through acting is just so cool. This was such a fun read, my friend. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. 😘💜
Hey there, Mary!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, my friend! Yes, wonderful things can be done with makeup. I remember taking that class when I first started school at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and instantly being fascinated with the art of using makeup to transform, alter, and correct facial features.
Don't you just love Cabaret? It was truly a dream of mine to play that role.
"And I saw Joel Grey in the Emcee role twice. Well, actually the first time he wasn't able to perform the full role so maybe his understudy did the voice from a side balcony and Joel was on stage. The other time when they did the Money song he came down the aisle throwing paper money and I grabbed one. "
OMG, that is so COOL! I didn't see him onstage, but I did see the movie and thought he was phenomenal as the Emcee! Yes, and the Money song is different in the stage production than the one in the movie. I like them both.
"Whew, this wind today. "
I know, the wind is HOWLING outside today. And it just started raining too.
Have a FAB week and Spring will be here soon!
X
Hellooooooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind and supportive words! X
From the moment I took my first class, I became utterly fascinated with what makeup could do; especially when doing theater. However, even now, doing makeup at work and helping people with colors and techniques is so rewarding.
"Ella—she’s been doing cosplay since she was little. She loves styling wigs and doing makeup, so she’ll definitely love this."
OMG, I used to do that when I was a kid ALL THE TIME! I couldn't wait for my parents to leave the house so that I could dress up and pretend to be characters in musicals, like Anita in West Side Story LOL!
Yes, I have seen that video of the making of Thriller. LOVED it! The makeup is PHENOMENAL! It's also one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs and videos.
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fantastic week so far!
X
Hey Ron, I've seen a few of these in the past, but a lot of them I haven't. MARVELOUS, Mr. Makeup artist! As one of your reader said in their comment, I would not have recongized you as Parpignol in La Boheme. You look completely different. And by the way, La Boheme is my favorite opera. I'm sure you know this, but that opera was featured in the movie, Moonstruck with Cher and Nicolas Cage. God how I LOVE that film! The whole cast is perfecto!
ReplyDeleteYou as the biker dude cracked my husband up! He loved your hair and bandana. That's a wig, right? Lol!
And of course, you as The Wicked Stepmother is genius. How did the audience, particulary the children react to you as a man playing a women?
I love the second photo of you pointing the gun at those two people. Your face looks furious.
Thank you for the entertainment, Ron! I wish we had known each other when you were still acting because I would have loved seeing you onstage! xo
P.S. How about the wind and rain today? Intense, right?
Greetings, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you for your kind words!
I know, the makeup for Parpignol is REALLY intense. And that's because we performed the opera in a HUGE theater with over 1,000 seat, plus a balcony with seats that went straight up.
"La Boheme is my favorite opera. I'm sure you know this, but that opera was featured in the movie, Moonstruck with Cher and Nicolas Cage. God how I LOVE that film! The whole cast is perfecto!"
Yes! Yes! Yes... to all of that! In fact, I saw that movie first and then was cast in the opera several years later. LOVE that opera! Love that movie! I have it on DVD.
"slap* - "SNAP OUT OF IT!"
Yes, that is definitely a wig. I think I got it at Hallween costume store in Orlando. I was working at a hair salon at the time and a girl that also worked there dressed as my biker dude girlfriend. What a hoot!
Much thanks for stopping by today, neighobor! Hope you're have a great week!
X
The wind is so intense, isn't it? It from that tornado that's moving across the States. My friend in Texas got it yesterday.
Ron, your theater days and makeup posts are truly so fascinating -- thank you for sharing your photos from the past! I like that beautiful set, and the shot of you pointing the gun looks so real. I can't fathom having to use the bathroom with all those costumes and makeup on -- I guess it's key NOT to wait until the last minute, huh?
ReplyDeleteThey did a fabulous transformation of you in The Wicked Stepmother. Golly, wasn't that awful, having to stuff yourself into all that?? But I can see how the proper makeup and costumes helped you play your part realistically.
Great post, my friend. Heads up on the COLD weather headed your way -- our winds have been fierce! XX
Thank you, Debbie! X I found a few photos that I hadn't ever posted in previous posts. Also, instead of scanning each photo, I took a picture of them and cropped them larger so you guys could see the makeup closer.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that set beautiful? We had two sets in that play - one was of the living room (in the photo), and the other was a French brothel, where some of scenes took place. The play is hysterical and moves very quickly because it's a farce. The cast I worked with in the play was truly amazing. Some of the best actors I've ever worked with.
I'm not too keen on guns (even fake ones), so it took me awhile to get comfortable handling one.
"I guess it's key NOT to wait until the last minute, huh?"
HA! You got that right!! It was also very cold that night, so I had to carry a sweater going from the outside in.
" Golly, wasn't that awful, having to stuff yourself into all that?? But I can see how the proper makeup and costumes helped you play your part realistically."
Once I got used to doing the makeup and getting dressed, it got much easier (and FASTER). I would get to theater one hour before I was schedule to be there so I could relax doing my makeup. It took a little over an hour to complete.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! And yes, it's been the same here in Philly. GUSTY winds, rain, and cold. I could hear the wind hitting my windows. I'm on the 21st floor, so it was very windy.
Have a great rest of your week!
X
Ron, I love all of these, but the one of you as a biker dude is hysterical because it's the complete opposite of YOU! You look like you just pulled up on your Harley-Davidson! ROFLMAO!
ReplyDeleteAlso, the expression on your face pointing that gun is KILLER. LOL!
Fun post, dude!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteOMG, I laughed at your Harley-Davidson remark!!!! I wish I had a picture of my friend who I worked with who came dressed as my biker chic girlfriend. We made SUCH a pair.
"Also, the expression on your face pointing that gun is KILLER. LOL!"
Hahahahahahahahahaha! Good one!
Great seeing you, Matt. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a great rest of your week!
X
I'm so with you about the Oscars, Ron! Every year I keep telling myself I will not be watching them the following year, and yet I do. You're so right, they've turned into a POLITICAL platform instead of focusing on films. Be glad you didn't watch it this year. It was so annoying!
ReplyDeleteJudging from what I saw on You Tube and Instagram, I could tell they were annoying.
ReplyDeleteRon, Sunset Boulevard is one of my very favorite classic, black and white films EVER! The expression on your face is priceless, and very much like Gloria Swansons' when she came down the stairs in the film scene and said, "Alright Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up." You nailed it!!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are all such wonderful makeup and costume photos. Love you as Mr. Smell and The Wicked Stepmother. You're brows and eye makeup are flawless. The wig looks very similar to the animated version.
Thank you for sharing this part of your life, Ron. So interesting and entertaining. Do you ever miss theater acting?
Have a beautiful weekend! x
Greetings, Clair!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that movie FAAAAAAAAAAAABULOUS? I must have seen it at least 20 times or more over the years. In fact, I own the DVD and will watch it every year. I love that final scene! It's both heartbreaking and haunting. I love how she moves into the camera and fades away. GREAT ending to a GREAT film!
When I was designing my makeup for The Wicked Stepmother, I actually used the animated version because I wanted her to seem like a cartoon. I had so much fun in the role.
Yes, sometimes I do miss it. However, I had a very fulfilling career doing a variety of roles, so I'm content with that. However, you never know, maybe one day I might do some local community theater.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your comment, my friend. Have a superb weekend!
X
Thank you for responding to my question, Ron! Happy to hear that you're content with your career and okay with it. Also, that you're leaving yourself open to the possibility of getting involved with theater again in the future.
ReplyDeleteYes, your makeup does look very much like the animated version. Well done!
Thank you, Clair! 🙏😘
ReplyDelete