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Having done this show twice and consulted on the makeup several more times, MOST of the people who I've worked with on this as well as the recommendations I have always made from the first time, is to use a DOUBLE in the SAME MAKEUP so that the scene just prior to the transformation the witch can be taking off the witch makeup and make the transformation. That means double costume, finding an actress similar in size, body type, facial features and having a makeup person capable of doing a duplicate makeup job.
I have done this as simple as the nose and chin along with "painted" on aging makeup and the second time I did it, I used a full face foam latex appliance I sculpted and created. Then the next time I do it I'll use a silicone full face appliance because it's a lot more flexible, looks much more realistic (like human skin) and is comfortable to wear. PLUS the added feature that the application is simple and quick, and the removal is extremely fast - literally Mission Impossible - just catch an edge and carefully peel it off in seconds. And the other added feature is that it can usually be used more than once if treated carefully and properly.
The transformation with two actresses is as simple as letting the secondary do the scene just before LIP SYNCING the dialogue while the main actress delivers lines from just off stage while removing the witch makeup (assuming you use wireless body mikes) and as rapidly as possible applying enough "beauty" makeup to do that transform. She doesn't have to do it complete - just enough to sell it for that transformation since that ends the act as I recall - or CAN if you use that as the intermission spot - if I remember rightly.
OF course to custom fit the actresses - you'd need to have life castings done, the witch makeup created - which means sculpting, molding and running silicone - if that's what you choose to do. It's the BEST looking makeup possible - a bit costly - but well worth the effort. On the video - bear in mind Bernadette Peters had a full face prosthetic on which is NOT easily removable....guaranteed. I am almost 100% sure they used good old video editing for that video. However I've seen this both on Broadway and another touring company and the ONLY possibility for that transformation is that there is a double in the makeup and they make the switch in full view of the audience albeit pretty far upstage. When I saw it on Broadway she walked behind a tree but immediately came out from behind the tree - as though just walking behind and that was when the switch of actresses was made from the double to Bernadette who had to be offstage getting out of the makeup just prior to and in preparation for the transformation. But it looked as though she never left the stage so I assume the secondary left via a trap and Bernadette came on the same way but under the shield of the tree she walked behind. And again duplicate costuming (the hooded cape/cloak) and DARN GOOD TIMING.
When I did it the first time, we used a double and every time since I've done the same thing and on those times when I consulted on it, I've made that recommendation of doing that exact thing - since I believe that IS how they do it on Broadway.
Hope this gives you some ideas and can adapt to your situation and budget. Minimal application of nose and chin still isn't quite enough in my book - but then I'm a makeup artist and it's what I do. But if you cannot afford anything more extensive then it works if nothing else.
If I can be of further help don't hesitate to post or message me and I'll gladly assist as I possibly can.
TonyDi
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"Almost famous"
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