Phantasms, Freaks, Bride of Frankenstein at Redwood Library’s Hallowe’en Costume Party

It was terror among the tomes as Dracula, Death, ghouls, and ghostly figures in historic garb roamed the dimmed rooms of Newport’s Redwood Library and Athanaeum on Hallowe’en night.

The costume party was held in honor of Newport’s Jane Stuart, the painter and daughter of famed portraitist Gilbert Stuart, who loved to dress up in gorilla costumes for masked parties. Only one gorilla costume was to be seen, worn by Cassie Helms. But there was no end of inspiration for the costumes: Charlie Chaplin, Nurse Ratched, Marlene Dietrich, Darth Vader, Larry the Cable Guy, and a couple clad as a book and a bookmark, respectively, danced to the strains of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and other disco-era music. Federico Santi, as the Monopoly Man, gave Monopoly money out to all. Cobwebs clung, and a dismembered hand was seen on the grand piano. On the ceiling of the 1750 Harrison Room, “The Bride of Frankenstein”, the 1935 horror film, flickered soundlessly.

Mary Riggs, Toby Field, and Kate Field dressed in detailed period costumes, as Cheryl Helms portrayed the Statue of Liberty, torch held high. Ruth Taylor arrived as The Bearded Lady, as Historical Society members had all decided to come as circus performers. Jemi Fause, in black and silver, danced and danced. Richard and Margo Grosvenor were the devil and a witch, respectively, and Colleen McGrath and Molly Sexton came as Little Edie and Big Edie Beals, of “Grey Gardens” fame....or is it notoriety?

Doug Riggs, Chairman of the Redwood Board of Directors, gave out the costume awards: Alex Allardt won the Jane Award for her frighteningly detailed chicken costume, Adam Zaff won the Jane Cup for his pitch-perfect Charlie Chaplin, and Teresa Love won “nicest feeling” costume for her Julia Child. Mike Caldwell won scariest for his rather terrifying Death. Most fun was winner Sue Wallace, as Nurse Ratched, who held aloft an IV bag filled with red wine thoughout the evening.

Diana Silvaria, as Medusa, chaired the event, which featured deejay Mark Lapham, of partynewport.com, and food & cocktails by Fine Catering by Russell Morin.