KBTV

Costume World

It started out quite innocently. I guess it was about a month ago when my staff and I were munching on organic pizza, brainstorming ideas for pieces, whining about our hours and slotting items on the KBTVonline Google Calendar when Jason suddenly blurted out: “What are we going to do Halloween?”

As if on queue, my staff replied in unison: “Halloween Horror Nights!” After much banter, innuendo, teasing and snickering I was told that Halloween Horror Nights happens for a solid month each year at Universal Studios up in Orlando.

“Who or what are you going to dress up as, Kate?” This was the question asked by my oh-so-practical yet imaginative and brilliant Managing Editor, Rachael. She’s always planning, plotting and, basically what I call, “bring it home.”

“Good point,” I replied.

In the days following, I decided on Miss Piggy — more specifically “Miss Piggy as TV broadcaster/Weather Girl.” Or “Weather Piglet.” Or rather “Weather Piglette.”

Then last Friday morning, realizing I had only 24 hours until departure time, I hit the Web. I Googled “Costumes Miami Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach.” A listing popped up for “Costume World” in Deerfield Beach. It was pouring rain, but I grabbed by gigantic umbrella and headed out in search of Miss Piggy, Google Map in hand.

Immediately upon entering Costume World I am hit with that sensory overload that usually renders me paralyzed. As a quick fix to my catatonic state, I seek out the most flamboyant queen I can find on the floor. He’s dressed up like Mr. Darcy of “Pride & Prejudice” (yet singing show tunes in the corner in his best falsetto).

“Miss Piggy’s out,” he proclaims sadly with a pouting lower lip.

I’m crestfallen and confused by this news. I grab my cell phone to call my friend Laura Kennedy who seems to have a solution to just about any problem. Her phone rings straight into voice mail. I sink to the stool just outside the dressing room. Just as I’m losing hope Mr. Darcy saunters up behind me and utters with glee: “What about Little Bo Peep?”

posted by INSIDE FAU @ 1:30 PM