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The Revolutionists
Prologue Theatre, 2022 Costume Design By Lauren Gunderson Directed By Jessica Lefkow Set Designer Matthew J. Keenan Lighting Designer Domino Mannheim Sound Designer Gordon Nimo-Smith Photos DJ Corey Photography |
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"Costume design by Alison Samantha Johnson is imaginative and well-suited to character. Marie-Antoinette’s dress, predictably, is the most striking, ruffled and pale blue. At her trial, there are black-masked figures, ominous and final." -Sophia Howes, DC Theatre Arts
Ada and the Engine
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Photos By DJ Corey Photography
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"The intricate costume design by Alison Samantha Johnson, accented through the set design by David Ghatan do a good job of transporting the audience into the world through Ada's eyes." Megan Grey, Broadway World
"Designer Alison Johnson dresses the characters with distinctive color palettes that persist through their costume changes." Ian Thal, Washington City Paper
"Designer Alison Johnson dresses the characters with distinctive color palettes that persist through their costume changes." Ian Thal, Washington City Paper
BOY
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Recent Tragic Events
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It’s no accident that costume designer Alison Samantha Johnson has dressed Waverly in a robe with fractal patterns on it (at the top of the show.) - Ian Thal, Washington City Paper
Alison Samantha Johnson's costumes communicate volumes about the characters, with Ginsburg's "date night" outfit as the centerpiece. - Andrew White, Broadway World
Were we really carrying around those huge prehistoric cell phones such a short time ago? Weren’t all TVs flat screen? Likewise, Alison Samantha Johnson’s costume design echoes substantial change. Waverly’s cinched trousers and big chunky shoes have long since been relegated to the back of most closets. -Amy Cotkin, DC Metro Theatre Arts
Alison Samantha Johnson's costumes communicate volumes about the characters, with Ginsburg's "date night" outfit as the centerpiece. - Andrew White, Broadway World
Were we really carrying around those huge prehistoric cell phones such a short time ago? Weren’t all TVs flat screen? Likewise, Alison Samantha Johnson’s costume design echoes substantial change. Waverly’s cinched trousers and big chunky shoes have long since been relegated to the back of most closets. -Amy Cotkin, DC Metro Theatre Arts
AGNES OF GOD
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ESCAPED ALONE
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"The entirety of the design team is female, too, with set designer Paige Hathaway constructing a smart, verdant suburban patio and costume designer Alison Samantha Johnson outfitting the actresses in dandy bourgeois style."
- Peter Marks, Washington Post
"Three gracefully aging English women [and] each is dressed casually, in cheerily bright colors and patterns that echo their environs. A fourth woman, Mrs. Jarrett- an outsider- is invited in. Dressed in drably functional, close-fitting clothes in muted olives and grays, Mrs. Jarrett is slightly younger, with short cropped gray hair and a purposeful, almost militaristic, swagger." - Meaghan Hannan Devant, DC Theatre Scene
- Peter Marks, Washington Post
"Three gracefully aging English women [and] each is dressed casually, in cheerily bright colors and patterns that echo their environs. A fourth woman, Mrs. Jarrett- an outsider- is invited in. Dressed in drably functional, close-fitting clothes in muted olives and grays, Mrs. Jarrett is slightly younger, with short cropped gray hair and a purposeful, almost militaristic, swagger." - Meaghan Hannan Devant, DC Theatre Scene
RIPCORD
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A MISANTHROPE
WSC Avant Bard, 2019 COSTUME DESIGN By Matt Minnicino Directed By Megan Behm Photos by DJ Corey Photography "Alison Samantha Johnson’s costumes are elegant for Celimene, drab for Alceste and ridiculous for satellite characters Oronte (Matthew Sparacino, at one point in a teal blazer and shorts decorated with sharks) and Clitandre (Patrick Joy, who gets to wear an inflatable pink flamingo flotation device around his waist)." - Nelson Presley, Washington Post |
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"As for the costumes—overheard while leaving, from several patrons—“We need those shorts;” “where can we get those shorts?” “I must have shorts like that.” Suffice it to say the shorts were a hit, and Alison Samantha Johnson might want to note somewhere where she got those shorts."
- Mary Ann Johnson, MD Theatre Guide
"Johnson has assembled some of the most incredibly legendary, tacky, beach-wear imaginable. I mean, pink shorts with shark motifs? Electric blue jackets and pink flamingo pool toys? The stuff is so loud I recommend you wear shades, like half the cast does. Or, like Alceste, you could always dress for a day in the office even when it's obvious you're at the beach..."
- Andrew White, BroadWayWorld.com
- Mary Ann Johnson, MD Theatre Guide
"Johnson has assembled some of the most incredibly legendary, tacky, beach-wear imaginable. I mean, pink shorts with shark motifs? Electric blue jackets and pink flamingo pool toys? The stuff is so loud I recommend you wear shades, like half the cast does. Or, like Alceste, you could always dress for a day in the office even when it's obvious you're at the beach..."
- Andrew White, BroadWayWorld.com
CYRANO DE BERGERAC
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"Alison Samantha Johnson’s jewel-toned, clown-like costumes shimmer in the light. Cyrano, dressed in vivid yellow, sports enormous side pockets in which he stores his secret missives. In his breast pocket, close to his heart, sits his timeless declaration of love – a white flower attached to a turquoise note. De Guiche’s elaborate military robe opens like a peacock’s feathers to reveal medals galore. Christian’s white satin breeches and jacket attest to his simple purity." Amy Kotkin, DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Alison Samantha Johnson’s makeup design—especially Roxanne’s wistful eyebrows and Cyrano’s more somber face paint—underpins the success of these expressive performances." Norah Dick, MD Theatre Guide
"Sporting handsome commedia dell’arte-inspired costumes by Alison Samantha Johnson" Ceila Wren, Washington Post
"Alison Samantha Johnson’s makeup design—especially Roxanne’s wistful eyebrows and Cyrano’s more somber face paint—underpins the success of these expressive performances." Norah Dick, MD Theatre Guide
"Sporting handsome commedia dell’arte-inspired costumes by Alison Samantha Johnson" Ceila Wren, Washington Post
ON AIR
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THE BALTIMORE WALTZ
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The Undeniable Sound of Right Now
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HEISENBERG
Signature Theatre, 2018 COSTUME DESIGN By Simon Stephens Directed by Joe Calarco Photos By Cameron Whitman |
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"Alison Samantha Johnson's costume design shines most in the details of Georgie's outfits (notably, the elaborate embroidery on the cuffs of her beat-up jacket)."- SusanBerlin, Talkinbroadway.com
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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Synetic Theater, 2018 COSTUME AND MAKEUP DESIGN By Frank L. Baum Adapted by Tori Bertocci & Ryan Sellers Directed by Ryan Sellers Choreographed by Tori Bertocci Photos by Brittany Diliberto |
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"The company’s fantastic production values are on full display in the show. Alison Samantha Johnson outfits the cast in clever costuming, with Dorothy in her recognizable blue gingham." Norah Dick, MD Theatre Guide
"Alison Samantha Johnson’s costumes range from Dorothy’s familiar blue gingham dress, her own interpretation of the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion costumes. Johnson’s winged wardrobe for the flying monkeys help add to the darker qualities of the storytelling." Jeffery Walker, DC Theatre Scene
"Directors create several striking visual moments thanks to effective scenery and costumes and evocative movement."
Andre Hereford, Metro Weekly
"Alison Samantha Johnson’s costumes range from Dorothy’s familiar blue gingham dress, her own interpretation of the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion costumes. Johnson’s winged wardrobe for the flying monkeys help add to the darker qualities of the storytelling." Jeffery Walker, DC Theatre Scene
"Directors create several striking visual moments thanks to effective scenery and costumes and evocative movement."
Andre Hereford, Metro Weekly
45 Plays for 45 Presidents
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“Alison Samantha Johnson's costumes work amazingly well given the vast timeline of our country's history.”
Keith Tittermary, Broadway World
“They are wearing nifty vests, cravats and striped trousers (kudos to Alison Samantha Johnson) and would look at home at any Georgetown party, or at a State Dinner in the White House...They tell each story in a slightly different manner, passing George Washington’s beautiful blue military jacket from President to President as a continuing thread.”
Tim Treanor, DC Theatre Scene
“Alison Samantha Johnson’s revolutionary style pants, vests, and cravats transition well through the centuries with their period and contemporary feel.”
Katie Bogdan, DC Metro Theatre Arts
Keith Tittermary, Broadway World
“They are wearing nifty vests, cravats and striped trousers (kudos to Alison Samantha Johnson) and would look at home at any Georgetown party, or at a State Dinner in the White House...They tell each story in a slightly different manner, passing George Washington’s beautiful blue military jacket from President to President as a continuing thread.”
Tim Treanor, DC Theatre Scene
“Alison Samantha Johnson’s revolutionary style pants, vests, and cravats transition well through the centuries with their period and contemporary feel.”
Katie Bogdan, DC Metro Theatre Arts
TOP GIRLS
By Carol Churchill
Directed by Amber Paige McGinnis
Keegan Theatre, Washington DC 2017
Costume Design
"With fascinatingly effective set design by Matthew J. Keenan and eye-popping costumes by Alison Samantha Johnson, Keegan's production of Top Girls is delightfully disturbing."
DC Metro Theatre Arts, Robert Michael Oliver
"Costume designer Alison Samantha Johnson and hair/makeup designer Craig Miller deserve maximal praise for the instantly memorable colors and shapes the characters wear, perhaps best exemplified in the transformation Forstrom undergoes between her fairy-tale Patient Griselda and her confrontationally colorful 80s businesswoman. Each character is ethically defined by their appearance choices as by their words."
DC Theatre Scene, Brett Steven Abelman
"As you can imagine with fifteen separate characters, spanning across at least five or six different time periods, the costumes are extremely important in this show. Signature Theatre’s Alison Samantha Johnson returns to The Keegan after designing “Next to Normal” and “What We’re Up Against.” The realism of a character like Joyce and the fancifulness of a story character like Patient Griselda or Lady Nijo are fully realized in the clothes that they wear."
MD Theatre Guide, Stephanie House
THE MARK OF CAIN
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"By the time Cain’s headwear is a red-starred military helmet and he and his troops are goose-stepping, the metaphor of evil descended in a direct line from mythic time to modern times has become powerfully persuasive... And together Scenic Designers Paata Tsikurishvili and Phil Charlwood, Lighting Design Brian Allard, and Costume Designer Alison Samantha Johnson have spectacularly fabricated an unreal world…in order that it may appear to us as only too real."
DC Metro Theatre Arts, John Stoltenberg
"Kathy Gordon as the Dark Angel also deserves special mention. A slinky, sly red-headed devil, outfitted in black leather and dramatically darkened eyes, Gordon is mesmerizing as a punk-rock temptress... Simple costuming by Alison Samantha Johnson allows for characters’ easy transitions between time periods."
MD Theatre Guide, Norah Dick
"And finally, into a familiar-looking guy in a solid red tie who’s obsessed with his smartphone, one who is described in the program as “a media-savvy demagogue.”'
Washington Post, Peter Marks
DC Metro Theatre Arts, John Stoltenberg
"Kathy Gordon as the Dark Angel also deserves special mention. A slinky, sly red-headed devil, outfitted in black leather and dramatically darkened eyes, Gordon is mesmerizing as a punk-rock temptress... Simple costuming by Alison Samantha Johnson allows for characters’ easy transitions between time periods."
MD Theatre Guide, Norah Dick
"And finally, into a familiar-looking guy in a solid red tie who’s obsessed with his smartphone, one who is described in the program as “a media-savvy demagogue.”'
Washington Post, Peter Marks
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"Kudos to Costume Designer Alison Samantha Johnson, whose impressive creations range from louche to lavish." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"In each fantastical vision, costume designer Alison Samantha Johnson delights with attractive and immediately clear costumes. For a game show hosted by King George III (Reginald Richard). Johnson gives the king and his Vanna White (Alexander as Queen Charlotte) suitably decadent costumes." DC Theatre Scene
"In each fantastical vision, costume designer Alison Samantha Johnson delights with attractive and immediately clear costumes. For a game show hosted by King George III (Reginald Richard). Johnson gives the king and his Vanna White (Alexander as Queen Charlotte) suitably decadent costumes." DC Theatre Scene
Smile Lines
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DCMetroTheaterArts’ Best of 2016: Best Design in Professional and Community Theaters in DC/VA/MD:
Alison Samantha Johnson for her costumes on What We're Up Against at Keegan Theatre
"Alison Samantha Johnson’s costume design is a myriad of colors. You can follow each character’s arc in their clothes, from Stu’s obnoxious orange to Janice’s stylish purple and pinks all the way through to the grey and black of Eliza and the smooth green of Ben, as the only reasonable characters in the show." MD Theatre Guide
"Costume Designer Alison Samantha Johnson slyly comments on the tilted playing field by allowing all the men to show up in casual arty-workplace attire (colorful shirtsleeves, tennis shoes; Weber even wears no socks) but putting the women in polished ensembles that say dressed for success." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Alison Samantha Johnson has created a fine variety of costumes, my favorite being Finnegan's Stu, who is decked out in a hideously tacky orange shirt with socks that make their own discreet comment on the character's utter lack of taste. Johnson also makes a point of having (LeTourneau's) Eliza in plain, professional wear and discreet-to-invisible makeup, in stark contrast to Kashner's showy ensemble complete with heavy shadow and eyeliner." Broadway World
Alison Samantha Johnson for her costumes on What We're Up Against at Keegan Theatre
"Alison Samantha Johnson’s costume design is a myriad of colors. You can follow each character’s arc in their clothes, from Stu’s obnoxious orange to Janice’s stylish purple and pinks all the way through to the grey and black of Eliza and the smooth green of Ben, as the only reasonable characters in the show." MD Theatre Guide
"Costume Designer Alison Samantha Johnson slyly comments on the tilted playing field by allowing all the men to show up in casual arty-workplace attire (colorful shirtsleeves, tennis shoes; Weber even wears no socks) but putting the women in polished ensembles that say dressed for success." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Alison Samantha Johnson has created a fine variety of costumes, my favorite being Finnegan's Stu, who is decked out in a hideously tacky orange shirt with socks that make their own discreet comment on the character's utter lack of taste. Johnson also makes a point of having (LeTourneau's) Eliza in plain, professional wear and discreet-to-invisible makeup, in stark contrast to Kashner's showy ensemble complete with heavy shadow and eyeliner." Broadway World
An American Daughter
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"Costumes by Alison Samantha Johnson hit the “soccer-mom” Gap look (for Liz,) comfy jeans and gentle collared shirt. Dr. Kaufman on the other hand always looks pulled together and Quince has the media darling flair." -DC Theatre Scene
"'An American Daughter' is a Clinton play, and the Keegan Theatre is extremely smart to be performing it right now... As Lyssa puts on the famous Hillary headband for her own damage-control interview, adopting a role as she gives in to the political charade."- Washington Post
"'An American Daughter' is a Clinton play, and the Keegan Theatre is extremely smart to be performing it right now... As Lyssa puts on the famous Hillary headband for her own damage-control interview, adopting a role as she gives in to the political charade."- Washington Post
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295N Written by Joe Calarco Directed by David Zobell Signature Theatre, Arlington VA Sig in the Schools 2016 Costume Design & Mentor |
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ANNE & EMMETT
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HERO WORSHIP
By Joe Calarco Directed By David Zobell Signature in the Schools Signature Theatre, Arlington VA 2014 Costume Design & Mentor Photos By Dennis Deloria |
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"Alison Samantha Johnson’s costumes had excellent design and execution. The subtle color choices told their own story, indicating temperament and suggesting relationships through commons patterns and palettes, all while remaining completely in period. " DC Metro Theater Arts
"Providing sartorial splendor and a winning wardrobe, Alison Samantha Johnson’s costume designs were executed with panache and period detail." DC Theatre Scene
"Marion is magnetic but also manipulative, self-centered on occasion but trying to balance the feelings of those around her, and never ashamed of herself for enjoying life. She manages to carry it off admirably, all the while wearing Alison Samantha Johnson's chic costumes."- Talkin Broadway.com
"(Alison Johnson) whose elegant costumes give a clear sense of period, character, and status." MD Theatre Guide
"Providing sartorial splendor and a winning wardrobe, Alison Samantha Johnson’s costume designs were executed with panache and period detail." DC Theatre Scene
"Marion is magnetic but also manipulative, self-centered on occasion but trying to balance the feelings of those around her, and never ashamed of herself for enjoying life. She manages to carry it off admirably, all the while wearing Alison Samantha Johnson's chic costumes."- Talkin Broadway.com
"(Alison Johnson) whose elegant costumes give a clear sense of period, character, and status." MD Theatre Guide
Atheist's Paradise
By Bill Goodman
Directed by Megan Behm
Edge of the Universe Players II, Washington D.C.
2012
Costume Design
Photos & Lighting Design by Brian Allard
"As a framing device, the show opens with a cosmic justice court, featuring Jan Forbes in a long flowing robe talking like one those faux ancient Greeks from the original Star Trek."
(Review By Rebecca J. Ritzel in Washington City Paper)
(Review By Rebecca J. Ritzel in Washington City Paper)
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"Costumer Alison Samantha Johnson has her hands full with this mighty cast and effectively highlights the major characters with a visual splash."
(John F.Glass' Review of On The Waterfront from DramaUrge.com)
Bachelorette
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Blasted
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Sick
By Zayd Dohrn
Directed by Gregory Scott Campbell
Luna Theater Company, Philadelphia PA
2010
Costume Design
Photos by Aaron Oster
Other Hands
By Laura Wade
Directed by Gregory Scott Campbell
Luna Theater Company, Philadelphia PA
2010
Costume Design
Photos by Aaron Oster
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Slasher
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Whisky Neat
By Bruce Walsh
Directed by Kevin Glaccum
Azuka Theater, Philadelphia PA
2009
Costume & Makeup Design
Photos by ChrisKPhotography
"The set which is in perfect contrast to crisp, clean clothing of all the employees, was a piece of artwork in itself. It automatically told the audience that this was somewhere they didn't want to be. And the performance itself just reinforced that. " - philly theatre talk/wordpress.com
The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Jenn MacMillan
Aspire Arts, Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Theater Festival, PA
2007
Costume, Wig & Set Design
"The broad-strokes, primary-colored set resembled Pee-wee Herman's playhouse with a miniature trampoline allowing characters to make bouncier entrances. Few had hair (or hair colors) found in nature. When characters disguised their gender, mustaches were purposefully fake. Even when playing the stuffy, imperious Lady Bracknell, Alex Bechtel (who comically towered over everybody, in drag of course) was smart to use the possibilities of his natural baritone voice." -David PAtrick Sterns, The Philadelphia Inquirer
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
By Ken Kesey
Directed by Paul Bernstein
Rutgers University, Camden NJ
2009
Costume, Hair & Makeup Design
Quake
By Melanie Marnich
Directed by Amy Feinberg
University of the Arts, Philadelphia PA
2009
Costume Design
Court Martial at Fort Devens
By Jeffery Sweet
Directed by Gene Terruso
University of the Arts, Philadelphia PA
2008
Costume Design
This Is Our Youth
By Kenneth Lonergan
Directed by Ed Renniger
Theater Revolution, Philadelphia PA
2008
Costume Design
