- A self-described "virtual Broadway superstore," the Playbill Store (playbillstore.com) is the premier one-stop online shopping site for all manners of Broadway-themed crafts and collectibles. Today the Playbill Store features over 1,400 items, including: official merchandise from Broadway's hundreds of shows; themed specialty and novelty apparel, toys, jewelry and games; companion literature, coffee table books and recordings; and artisan products inspired by the performing arts generally. For distinctive craft gifts for the Broadway-lovers in your life, the Playbill Store is an optimally flush and exceedingly convenient destination. Consider, among the site's potentially overwhelming selection, its signature "Ultimate Playbill Binder," a custom-made bound album for keepsaking Playbill magazines and the Playbill Store's number one bestseller.
- Let the Broadway-lovin' birthday gal eat cake -- in edible tribute to her favorite musical.BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
A Broadway-themed cake is an ideal craft to celebrate a Broadway-lover's special occasion; indeed, with this deliciously concocted craft idea, theater fans can literally have their cake and eat it, too! Numerous bakeries offer signature inspired cakes as well as the option to custom-design around patrons' favorite shows. Baltimore's famous Charm City Cakes, for example, features in its website's gallery a spectacular Broadway marquee cake crafted for a Sweet 16 birthday, while New Jersey's Pink Cake Box features a "Wicked Topsy Turvy Broadway Cake" crafted for a fan of the play "Wicked." Of course, you can also try your own artisan-baker hand; for a Broadway cake both simple and sure to please, use food coloring and an icing nozzle to decorate a flat cake's top to depict a Playbill's classic black, white and yellow cover page. - Broadway is a popular theme for parties; give yours a distinctive, memorable pomp and flair with these craftily inspired ideas for decorations and activities. Designate each table by a different Broadway show title and imaginatively craft each tablescape in the respective show's spirit. For a "Beauty and the Beast" table, for example, tea sets, rose petals, and images from the Disney movie would capture an animated fairytale look and feel; by contrast, a "Phantom of the Opera" table's tragedy masks, slung capes and chandelier replicas would create a fittingly dramatic, mysterious homage. Set up "make-up and hair" and "dressing room" stations with wigs, face goop and accessories for guests to craft personalized Broadway costumes. Finally, creating a playlist with favorite show tunes is a must for your party's soundtrack; make copies along with custom CD covers to gift as favors.
- Joseph's "coat of many colors" is a lively source for Broadway costume craft inspiration.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat" production is one of Broadway's all-time beloved musicals, and its titular "dreamcoat" is among theater's -- and indeed all of history's -- iconic costume pieces. In the play, inspired by the biblical story of Israel's forefathers, Joseph's coat is lyrically described as a "walking work of art" of the rainbow's every color; this epic garment, accordingly, is a goldmine source for Broadway costume craft ideas. Kids specifically will relish trying this one on for size, whether as a classroom project, party game or family activity. Have crafters bring an old coat, robe or large shirt, and provide scraps of fabric, sequins and feathers in different vibrant colors. Instruct as to how carefully to sew or glue items on to their apparel and invite them to go to town to craft "technicolor dreamcoats" of their very own.
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