Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542690
LOCAL706.ORG • 17 a large amount of Pattern Mousse to wrap the braids and give them a freshly styled look. Wig partings were hand-painted with an illustrator palette for improved definition. Wig edges were redefined, lace cleaned and colored with copic markers regularly. The sheer number of wigs kept us all on our toes and required swing Camille Thomas to maintain the performers' personal protective styles and provide additional support. Each of the three tracks focused on a specific performer's wig changes for continuity and timing. Most recognizable is the "lemonade" wig worn by performer Melanie Brezill, which is revealed from under a hair-laden scarf. Melanie plays several colorful shop characters and has many wig changes, which kept stylist Toya Patton very busy. April Tillies was responsible for the many looks of the only male cast member, the fabulous Michael Oloyede. His looks required precision glue and taping in 90-second changes, which created a very close- knit team of dressers and stylists. I was responsible for the fabulous Leovina Charles onstage transformations. She enters as a client with an unruly Afro seeking a protective style for her trip to Aruba! Over the course of the play, the Afro panels are expertly removed by performers to reveal small sections of braids that were coiled underneath, demonstrating an onstage styling progression. This required a teamwork application in which Leovina assisted in holding each pre- coiled section from the first braid wig while the top Afro style was applied on a hair snood base to hold the braided coils securely. Checks were frequent throughout her stage entrances and exits to ensure security and the best possible reveal onstage. In total, the chosen family of the Jaja's performers, design team, wig crew, and the MTF backstage family made the show a wonderful experience. But more importantly, the chosen family of this tenacious Harlem wig shop is demonstrated throughout with great humor and truly exemplifies the ties that bind as the characters face an unexpected immigration crisis. Jaja, the shop owner, is jailed in an immigration sting, leaving the shop family to support, protect, and care for her undocumented daughter. Truly, there isn't a dry eye in the house as the house lights go down on this committed cast of characters demonstrating the true meaning of family. • L-R: Claudia Logan, Bisserat Tseggai, and Mia Ellis Michael Oloyede Melanie Brezill Bisserat Tseggai