Behind the Scenes: Costumes key in Cedar Point productions

SANDUSKY -- Cedar Point is best known for its thrill rides, but its entertainment shows have been thrilling fans for years as well.

WKYC's Dave Summers went behind the scenes at Cedar Point with the costume makers that help transport the park's actors and audiences through time and space.

Cedar Point Entertainment Manager, Herbe Donald, has a rule of thumb when it comes to designing outfits for the performers.

"If it doesn't sparkle, it's not a costume," says Donald.

It's not a show without Donald's designs. He works with a team of three full-time and two part-time seamstresses to create more than 150 individual costumes for the summer season.

The design team is tucked away in a small shop without windows, surrounded by fabric, costume pieces and wigs.

Cedar Point features musical revue shows as well as the popular ice and country shows at the Centennial Theater.

Because the shows feature a number of costume changes, Donald makes the outfits using Velcro and snaps rather than buttons or zippers.

Donald has been designing at the park for 22 years.

The performers for the park's shows are drawn from college campuses. Some have gone on to achieve success on Broadway or in comedy clubs.