It was a raw November evening when “Stories from the Stage” filmed its latest segment, “Laughing Out Loud,” before a live studio audience in WGBH’s Calderwood Studio. With a packed house, storytellers opened up a whole new vista of humor. (At this time, no air date has been set for “Laughing Out Loud.”)
In the meantime, here’s the story behind this storyteller.
First, it’s the outfit choice
I was told no black, no dark blue. Keep it light, but no white. Red might be too much, which makes pink the perfect pick. I started with a stylish, form-fitting pink dress, but quickly put comfort over curves. The dress went back to the rack. Next up, a light pink sweater and gray wool slacks — it was going to be raw, rainy and in the 40s, a perfect choice, I decided. Plus, I am expressive, and I move my arms and gesture with my hands, so comfort was key. Even if I can’t see the audience, they are going to definitely see me, I thought.
But pink to one may not be pink to another. That is where my sweater choice might have unraveled if not for a producer’s keen sense of color.
It’s all about the makeup
That’s when makeup artist Jacquelyn Vokey stepped in to make my eyes pop and my lips shimmer. (Stay tuned for an interview with this award-winning stylist who has worked with a host of celebrities locally and internationally.) This round it was two hours of defining brows and cheek bones, and learning the art of the eyelash.
A series of photos tells this tale.
At the close of the evening, we gathered onstage to capture that final moment.
Storytellers who shared the stage (clockwise from lower left): Jennifer Baker (green dress), Geraldine Buckley, Tone Nunes, James Bunzli, Jay Webb, Nina Livingstone, Frank Traynor, Stephanie Dalwin, and emcee comedian Wes Hazard (seated in front).
Credit: WGBH Educational Foundation
Caption: Nina onstage as they make last-minute adjustments to the mic.
Credit: Stacey Sacks
