Moana may mark the start of a new decade of performing arts productions at Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, but it is the end of an era for costume designer extraordinaire Beryl Myatt who will retire her sewing needles after this year’s show.
Myatt has been behind the scenes for over 15 years, starting with the school’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She was responsible for designing and building the coat, and the challenge still ranks high among her favourite memories.
She also fondly remembers the costume required for Cinderella’s intricate on-stage and instant transformation from a tattered housekeeper’s dress to a ballgown. “It took three of us to get the student into it because it had to be so precise. One dress converted into the other,” she said, with a laugh.
“I don’t have patterns, but if I have accurate measurements, I can make pretty much anything for them,” she said, noting this year’s challenge involved sewing two wedding dresses together with some “sparkly stuff” to create Gramma Tala’s ghostly look.
Myatt explained that she never really knows what to expect. From creating intricate tearaway costumes to sewing skirts and capes practically up to curtain call, she has done it all – and loved every moment.
“We are a good team,” she said, describing how closely she works with directors Lynn Harper and Dawna Babin, taking the teachers’ ideas and bringing their visions to life.
“She’s been a Godsend. She’s wonderful and the kids love her,” said Babin. “A lot of people come off stage in costume and go right to hug her,” she added. “She will always be a part of our team.”