Jamie Grantham, wigmaker for the Hurrah Players
“Meet the Tastemakers” is a series that gives readers a chance to learn about the moving parts of the local arts scene — most important, the people making it all happen. They are choreographers, painters, curators and designers who have centered their life’s work on learning and helping others do so as well.
We caught up with Jamie Grantham, a hairstylist who has created the headdresses for the upcoming Hurrah Players production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” March 26 in Suffolk and April 1 and 2 in Virginia Beach.
The conversation has been edited for clarity and space.
What do you do and where do you do it?
I have been a hairdresser for 32 years and work at Jennifer Davis Stylist in Virginia Beach. I’ve been interested in and worked with wigs since my time in beauty school in 1987. I began working with the Hurrah Players about six months ago and I am working on the wigs for “The Little Mermaid.” I have designed and styled 17 wigs that will be used. I actually created 22, but we decided to change the look of the “sisters” so we will save the originals for some later production.
Can you describe the range of wigs you’ve created during the years and for what occasions and people?
I have created wigs for many women experiencing health issues that caused hair loss. I’ve also created many wigs for myself and others in our drag community. I currently perform and primarily do impersonations.
I’m very well known for my impersonation of Reba McEntire. Some of my other impersonations include Stevie Nicks, Cher, Joan Jett, Marilyn Monroe, Dolly Parton and Elvira, and I am working on a new character, Liza Minnelli. Of course, for all of these characters, I have to create wigs that mimic some of their most iconic looks.
What would surprise people most about the process?
The many hours it can take to create a specific look. Creating the perfect wig for stage can require taking apart and sewing together several wigs to get just the right colors or fullness.
Do you have a favorite creation?
I would say my favorite creation is Elvira. (Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark, and host of the horror show “Elvira’s Movie Macabre.”) Creating an exact replica of hers is very challenging, as it requires using pretty much every trick of the trade to create and it is immediately recognizable even when on a simple Styrofoam head.
Is there someone or some event you’d love to produce a wig for?
I would truly love to work on a movie or play set in 18th century high society or royalty. I’ve never had the opportunity to do that kind of work and would love to learn from wig masters who create those looks. As with my hairdressing career, I look for opportunities to increase my knowledge and abilities from others working in my industry. It would be a dream to work with Dolly Parton. Her wig master has created some of the most iconic and recognizable wigs in the history of wig making.