Tessa Grady (Broadway’s Dames at Sea, Cinderella, Annie) gives a standout performance as Amber, the OG high school mean girl of the ‘90s, in Amy Heckerling’s hit musical adaptation of Clueless
at The New Group.As Amber, Tessa is serving major lewks in her Amy Clark-designed fashions—it is set in Beverly Hills after all. Read on as Tessa shares with BroadwayBox each of her Clueless costumes, wigs, and themes. Here’s a little scrolling music.
Cheeta Girl
A theme is everything...Amber only understands good wardrobe choices according to themes. So, of course, “safari” is the first obvious go-to. My main scene partner in this costume is my cheetah backpack. She was lovingly named “SkaSka” by Megan Sikora (who plays an amazing Miss Geist) FUN FACT: This costume is a quick change.
The Eyes & Chin Outfit
I’ve decided this is around the time Amber got paranoid that she was going colorblind so her autumnal outfit choice was something that would strengthen her eye skills every time she looked in a mirror. It’s an extremely sensible plan. Also, Amber got her chin done. #plasticsurgeryalways FUN FACT: This costume is a quick change.
Gym Class Illusion
Gym class- prime time for optical illusions. This usually includes a racket in my hand. This is the famed “balls fly at my nose” line from the Clueless movie. I say that line to Megan Sikora as Miss Stoeger...who is between my legs. FUN FACT: This costume is a quick change.
Classy Christmas
Christmas time is the best time to try to get more attention with your clothing. Duh. Amber is after Elton at the holiday party in the valley...let’s just say she pulls it ALL out...and up. (Look closely. I have a FUR CHOKER on. I’m classy.) FUN FACT: This costume is a quick change.
You’re Never Gonna Get It
Sparkle as hardcore as you can—the girls recreate the 1990s En Vogue video of “My Lovin’”, and I screlt real high. FUN FACT: THIS COSTUME IS NOT A QUICK CHANGE. Only because it’s been intermission. Happy intermission everybody!
Fancy Frat Party Tights
You go to a college frat party. You ballerina theme. Nuf said. Plus, throw in some leather fingerless gloves ‘cause why not? (Except when the gold charms on those gloves get stuck to the hairnet in your bun onstage and you can’t get them out....then you just do the whole dance with a hand attached to your head. THAT was a joy! I was sobbing from laughter through the number. You think I’m kidding. I was smile sobbing. But SOBBING.)
P.S. these are the most expensive tights in the entire show and I’m honored.
FUN FACT: This costume is a quick change. (We’re back. YAY.)
The Category Is Fur
Our incredibly phenomenal costume designer, Amy Clark, decided to give me this fur coat for the hardest dance number in the whole show. LOVE YOU TOO. But ok c’mon, it’s fantastic, I forgive you, Amy. Also, please peek the Steve Madden sneakers I wear. WHAT. FUN FACT: This ends our marathon of quick changes. RIP.
Captain Elphaba
As told by Amber—“Summer stands for nose jobs and nautical wear.” #plasticsurgeryalways This is the finale guys! Our show ends in the summertime. So...if you’re going to go for a yacht look, be a captain with epaulettes so that everyone thinks you might be in charge. It comes in handy. And as you can see, my legs are serving you some “wicked witch of the west coast” ...which may or may not be true if you’ve seen Amber in action. Happy trails!
Don’t miss Tessa Grady as Amber in The New Group production of ‘Clueless’ at off-Broadway’s Signature Center through January 12.
