What Happens To Old Broadway Costumes

Have you ever wondered what happens to all of the elaborate Broadway costumes once a show is over? Some of them actually end up in Astoria, Queens where they are collected and rented out to other performances to give them a second life. We spoke with the director of the TDF Costume Collection, Stephen Cabral, to find out how it all works and take a peek at some of the Theatre Development Fund's famous pieces.

[christmastree]

“Broadway shows don’t last forever.”
Tell that to Phantom of the Opera

[pandamonika]

How can you say you have clothes worn by Patti LuPone and immediately follow up by saying there aren't any clothes worn by celebrities??

[narcisse.istic]

When Hamilton costumes will be there I’ll have a reason to finally get out of the sofa and buy flight tickets-

[rileysunderland]

If this is open to the public I would so make a whole day out of this! I would get a kick out of just looking at old broadway costumes

[TheGalWithTheBlueCat]

I need something like a Hard Rock Café just that it’s decorated with musical theatre stuff and there‘re showtunes playing in the background!!! 😍😍😍

[thelittleprotagonist]

I would love to play dress up in there :)

[pippinnnn]

0:10 he's there, the phantom of the opera!

[emmadelucia]

I’m going to that bag sale and grabbing everything from Les Mis

[mintymuffins]

So heathers costumes are there?



*starts booking flight*

[megantaylor]

Omg I love the mention of Urinetown! I never hear it talked about at all!

[symamabear]

How fun would it be to spend a week snooping around there?! So awesome!

[Olivia-clww]

I wanna just wear the dresses they look so fun

[ChrisWilliam]

My theatre company got to rent a full show of costumes for my senior show. Also I need to know when this bag sale is happening... can I fit a Ballgown in a bag? lol

[JadedDinosaur]

In conclusion Broadway costumes can be sold on eBay

[sarahdowd]

Anything from the great comet of 1812? Something rotten? Amelie?

[calilovett]

Am I the only one who wants to go there and just screw around all day playing dress up with a bunch of equally stupid friends?

[infernalpear]

He says big celebs don't donate :Shows off a outfit worn by Patti LuPone.

[robertgold]

A bag sale would be fun to go to. I wonder when and if they ever post that information.

[hummersd]

Great job, Chris! Glad the costumes get to live on/are saved! Hope to visit the TDF Costume Collection one day.

[christinethephantomqueen]

“Broadway shows don’t last forever”
*phantom lurking in the shadows*
Now that’s where you’re wrong