Struthers costume shop caters to the stage

STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) – Step inside Geppetto’s Costumes in Struthers and you can be transported to any time period. It’s a costume rental and design company that provides wardrobing for operas, theaters, and an entire stage of people.

“I’m trying to look for directors that want to go the extra mile and want to put as much time in the design of the costumes as they do in the whole show,” said Brian Palumbo, owner.

Palumbo was recently working on some custom-designed pieces for upcoming events. There’s a theatrical side and a masquarade side of the business. Many of the pieces were acquired from a friend.

“She called me and said, ‘Come get my stock and start using it for theater and renting.’ And I said, ‘I need it like a hole in the head.’ And she said, ‘Well, once you’re in it, you’re always in it, and it’s in your blood.’ And, she was right. She was right,” Palumbo said.

Geppetto’s provides wigs, hats, dresses, and a large group of accessories, including jewelry, even swords. The costumes go from Renaissance to modern-day. There’s 10,000 to 15,000 of them.

Geppetto’s does rent costumes to the public, but it’s mainly for professionals. It costumes for opera Western Reserve and area theaters around town. It also has a contract with the Baldwin Wallace opera for the second year, which Palumbo feels gives his input into the show.

“He’s allowing me some creative freedom in the process. And that’s what it’s about. It’s about feeling a part of the process and being able to create and put your creativity to work.

Palumbo says he has no Hollywood dreams and he plans to do this for a long time. He’s also the owner of Selah restaurant in Struthers, which is on the other side of the railroad tracks from Geppetto’s.

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