Carol Lawrence costume collection, circa 1960s-1980s

Overview of the Collection

Title
Carol Lawrence costume collection
Dates
circa 1960s-1980s (inclusive)
Quantity
5 linear feet, (20 garments)
Collection Number
Mss.096
Summary
Actress Carol Lawrence was born in Melrose Park, Illinois on September 5, 1932 and began her Broadway career in 1952. Famous for originating the role of Maria in Broadway's West Side Story, she continued to act on stage and television into the 21st century. This collection consists of 20 garments owned and worn by Lawrence from approximately the 1960s-1980s.
Repository
University of Puget Sound, Archives & Special Collections

Collins Memorial Library
1500 N. Warner St.
CMB1021
Tacoma, WA
98416-1021
Telephone: 2538792669
archives@pugetsound.edu
Access Restrictions
Languages
English

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Carol Lawrence costume collection consists of 20 garments owned and worn by actress Carol Lawrence, including theatre costumes and formalwear. Of particular note are a peasant-style dress worn on a broadcast of The Sid Caesar Show and a black minidress worn by Lawrence in the role of Charity in Sweet Charity.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Carol Lawrence was born Carolina Maria Laraia in Melrose Park, Illinois on September 5, 1932. She began her career on Broadway in 1952, and in 1957 was cast as Maria in the original Broadway production of West Side Story. For her role as Maria, Lawrence received a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Lawrence would continue her stage career into the 21st century, appearing in productions such as Sweet Charity, Funny Girl, No, No, Nanette, and Follies. Lawrence also appeared on many television programs, including Rawhide, General Hospital, and Murder, She Wrote. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Lawrence married three times, most famously to entertainer Robert Goulet, with whom she had two sons.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

The Archives & Special Collections, University of Puget Sound, provides access to its collections to support educational, personal, and non-commercial use. Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law. Copyright laws protect published as well as unpublished materials. It is the user's responsibility to determine and satisfy copyright or any other use restrictions when publishing or otherwise disseminating materials found in the collections. Physical property rights reside with the Archives & Special Collections, University of Puget Sound. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, please consult the Archives & Special Collections.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document, date.] Carol Lawrence costume collection, Mss.096. University of Puget Sound Archives & Special Collections, Collins Memorial Library. Tacoma, Washington.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box item
1 1 Pale yellow dress with sequins 1960s
1 2 Black satin minidress from "Sweet Charity" 1970s
1 3 Red and black merry widow undated
2 1 White and red peasant dress from "The Sid Caesar Show" undated
2 2 Pink fringed skirt with rhinestones undated
3 1 Gold and black skirt with rhinestones (brand: Michael-Jon) undated
3 2 Gold and black bodysuit with rhinestones (brand: Michael-Jon) undated
3 3 Pink fringed scarf undated
4 1 Purple jumpsuit circa 1980
4 2 Purple jumpsuit circa 1980
4 3 Pink turtleneck bodysuit circa 1980
4 4 Pink turtleneck bodysuit circa 1980
4 5 Yellow tie-front blouse (brand: John Henry) circa 1980
4 6 Yellow tie-front blouse (brand: John Henry) circa 1980
5 1 Beige gown with belt (brand: Angie Costumes Gowns) 1960s
5 2 Beige stole 1960s
5 3 Black and blue velvet gown undated (1960s?)
5 4 Floral sleeveless maxi dress (brand: Mr. Blackwell Design) circa 1970
5 5 Floral shawl with yellow fringe circa 1970
6 1 Pink top hat with rhinestones undated