It isn’t that common these days to find a costume shop that’s been around for more than half a century—especially one that’s remained in the same family decades and continues to thrive. Broadway Costumes & Theatrical Supply in Sacramento, California, is one of those businesses.
This brick-and-mortar shop has maintained its position as Sacramento’s leading costume rental and supply store thanks to the hard work of third generation owners Larry and Deanna Dockter.
The Costumer spoke with Larry to learn a bit more about the business, and to find out which costumes he counts among his favorites. As you’ll see he couldn’t narrow it down to one!
The Costumer: Your business has such a great history. It is wonderful you've been able to keep it in the family, which sadly a rarity. What made you decide to keep the business in the family?
Larry Dockter: I’ve been around the store since its inception by my grandmother [Juanita Belle Petrali] in 1965, playing under the racks early on. I eventually volunteered during the busy Halloween season to help my mom [Karen Meadows] and my aunt [Kathy Felgenhauer], when they owned the store, renting out costumes and selling makeup or accessories.
Eventually it was just my aunt owning the shop, and when she needed extra help about five years ago, my wife Deanna and I started helping out more and more. My wife eventually was running the store by herself after my aunt’s health no longer allowed her to be here full time, and I was coming in evenings and weekends after my regular day job ended to also help out. I retired in April 2017 from my “day job,” and with my wife, bought the store from my aunt—and here we are today. Why, you ask? We decided this would be a good way to spend our retirement years and to continue on my grandmother’s legacy. It’ll be 55 years strong in 2020!
The Costumer: There must be so many costumes that you've worked with. What do you consider one of your favorites and why?
Dockter: There are many favorites—it always depends on the season and event. We specialize or concentrate on periods and theatre, so Victorian, Renaissance and Medieval all rent well. Pirates always look great. If it’s Christmas, of course we have to rent Santa, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s helpers and elves, and a menagerie of animals like donkeys and camels—and yes, even the Grinch. At Easter, we have rabbits to rent! Our 1920s gangster-style double-breasted suits are vintage, and many were actually used in the movies—always snazzy!
Of course, my favorites are the fun ones—like me in the turn-of-the-century swimsuit, or the Three Little Pigs, or the creative ones that our customers put together, like the ghoulish maid and butler. If you notice, on their trays they actually laid out an assortment of various bloody body parts and have a tray of drinks (high balls or “eye balls”)!
What is your favorite costume? To be considered for an upcoming My Favorite Costume profile, email Editor Kathleen Furore at kfurore@yahoo.com