A new show at the Bartlett Center invites audiences to dress up and be weird
If your closet contains at least one sequined kimono, feathered boa, or neon power blazer that’s never seen the light of day, your chance to liberate it is here.
“Playing Dress Up,” created by longtime collaborators Ben Redding and Lucy Werner, is a one-night-only immersive performance, at the Bo Bartlett Center. Special help from the Bartlett Center’s Julie Umberger and Micheal McFalls at CSU, means this isn’t your average gallery event.
It’s part cabaret, part confession, part closet purge, but it’s also a fun indulgence of our inner child. This genre-bending show is an ode to “self-expression, identity, and memory through clothing, music, and transformation.”
But most importantly, it’s about the radical joy of not taking yourself too seriously.
I got a little sneak peek of a rehearsal and had the chance to chat with Redding and Werner ahead of this week’s premiere.
So, what exactly is it?
Think of it as a living scrapbook told in costumes, music, and memory. Werner’s performance credits span from national tours of “Annie” and “The Cher Show” to the musical group The Astroband, and she’ll take the stage solo to literally play dress up and sing her heart out.
No script, no mirrors, no pretenses.
Just a rotating cast of characters emerging from a rack of thrifted finery and lived-in glam, each look unlocking a story, a song, or a deeply relatable truth.
Redding, a Columbus creative force and connector of art scenes, serves as co-conspirator and curator of vibe. His previous projects include the modern art exhibit, The Living Room, a major role in the Springer’s “A Christmas Story,” and “R+J Theory,” a retelling of “Romeo and Juliet.”
The two first met in college, and their friendship (much like this show) was born in the sacred space between a vintage wig bin and a karaoke machine.
Need to know details:
Preview Night (ticketed): Tuesday, June 3 - includes bar
Main Event (pay-what-you-can): Wednesday, June 4
Doors open: 7–7:30 PM, Show starts: 8 PM
Location: Bo Bartlett Center, Uptown Columbus
Parking: Arsenal lot, RiverCenter garage, or Front Avenue street parking
Bar: Included with the price of the ticket on the 3rd, drink ticket/cash on the 4th
Expect loud singing, real feelings, and maybe a tambourine.
“Playing Dress Up” is designed to be experienced, not just watched. Arrive early to explore a pop-up photo booth from Jess Jones Boudoir, complete with props and accessories for anyone who didn’t come in costume, but suddenly wishes they had.
If you’ve ever secretly wanted to wear a pirate hat to a gallery opening, this is your chance.
And its family friendly - sort of. There’s nothing too scandalous, but the show hits best with an adult crowd. Ages 7+ recommended, especially if they’re down for some artsy chaos.
You don’t need to ‘get it’ to enjoy the night
This is about choosing play, not polish; about understanding the difference between “being dressed up” and “playing dress up.” These best friends want to encourage attendees to live in a state of play; to forget about how the world perceives them and focus on how they want to see the world.
.Just show up open-hearted, slightly overdressed, and ready to play.
Tickets are $50 for the private preview on Tuesday and are available to purchase online. Donations will be accepted at Wednesday’s show, so you may pay what you’re able to.
Purchase prices for the preview make free shows at the Bartlett Center possible and allow the center to give underserved artists a chance to show their work.
Planning to go all out for the show? Be sure to pass along photos of your get-up! Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
