El Centro College Students Display Work During
CATS Presented By Dallas Summer Musicals
(October 28, 2019) Dallas, TX – The El Centro College Fashion Design Internship class is very much like the TV show “Project Runway.”
Students were tasked to create a project under the mentorship of a professional designer. Once again, Rob Bradford, a Dallas designer who has worked in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and had his designs in several exhibitions, was the mentor for this challenge. The project was to create garments inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS.
"The students prepared by researching photos and watching snippets of the CATS musical on YouTube,” said Emmanuel Tobias, Fashion Design faculty. “I was thrilled to see their excitement level rise when they found out that the CATS movie will be out in theatres this December. While most of the students are taking a costume/cosplay approach to their designs, some have opted for a more marketable and ready-to-wear garment to match their aesthetic. I certainly hope the students synthesize their new knowledge with their creativity, while understanding show production timing, and the importance of closures for quick garment changes."
The students who participated in this design challenge were: Deshann Cross, Joanna Dunning, Shakira Johnson, Edna Ortiz, Raykeshia Spears, Melinda Tilley, Camila Uriarte and Quintin Warner.
The finished garments will be on display in the lobby of Music Hall at Fair Park from November 5-17.
The partnership with Dallas Summer Musicals has provided the opportunity for students to stretch their design abilities and showcase their work in conjunction with the musicals.
For more information about the Fashion Design program at El Centro College, call 214-860-2350.
Emmanuel Tobias (black shirt) talks to his students about the CATS Internship project
Rob Bradford, guest mentor, advises Deshann Cross about her garment
Student Joanna Dunning works on sewing her garment
Quintin Warner works on the patterns for his garment before cutting out the pieces of material
About CATS:
CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—”Memory”.
Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (Phantom) and direction by Trevor Nunn (Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!
Single tickets for CATS, starting at $25 (pricing subject to change), are now on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1 (800) 745-3000. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Groups of 10 or more get concierge service and may receive a special discount on their tickets. To book a group, please call (214) 426-4768 or email
Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.
About Dallas Summer Musicals:
Since 1941, the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals Inc. (DSM) has presented the Best of Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, DSM promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs.
DSM gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214-421-5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.