Have you seen this Highland woman’s work on stage?

Robin McGee, who grew up in Highland, designs costumes for shows all over the country.

Starting Monday, her talent will be on display at The Muny during Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida,” based on Guiseppe Verdi’s opera. Set in ancient Egypt, “Aida” is a tale of forbidden love between Nubian princess Aida and her Egyptian captor, Radames, who is engaged to the Pharoah’s daughter, Amneris.

The musical, which The Muny presented 10 years ago, will be the 98th season finale.

“Aida’s” historical aspect intrigued Robin, who is responsible for how each character looks, from head to toe, including clothes, shoes, hats and jewelry.

“I love research, doing historical costumes — what they wore and how they wore it,” said the 1979 graduate of Highland High School. “Obviously, it is very hot in Egypt, just like it is here. But it’s nice at The Muny because of the fans.”

She was already a fan of “Aida” before she was asked to join The Muny team in November.

“I love the show. This is one of the CDs that I can put in the car late at night and sing at the top of my lungs. I know it really well — it’s a brilliant Elton John score,” she said.

She and director Matt Lenz worked together before. For “Aida,” he chose to reimagine the prologue.

“That is the great thing about (executive director) Mike Isaacson and The Muny,” said Robin, 54. “They aren’t interested in museum pieces. We are given the freedom to play. ... He lets you try things. You think, all this work for a week, but then you realize 70,000 people see your show.”

As the play opens, the entire ensemble is dressed as Bedouins moving through the sands of time.

“They are in white and cream robes,” she said. “We have three archaeologists in period costumes who discover Radames’ amulet and set the story in motion.”

The concept was to give traditional Egyptian costumes a modern flair.

“Men in the tomb paintings and statuary are in skirts. They wear very little. So it was a challenge to come up with a modern equivalent. So the men are in utility kilts.”

Vibrant colors represent the fictional Nubian lands of Africa.

“When we see Aida and others being captured, the princess is in royal purple and gold, the king is in red. We have used a lot of African prints and tribal patterns.”

Slaves wear browns to represent oppression and hardship.

“We’re telling the story of those characters through the clothing,” said Robin. “Their lives as a slave is a hard one.”

That’s what director Lenz likes about working with her.

“ ... she’s an excellent story teller. She’s keenly aware of the subtlety in a particular character’s psyche — and their situation and place in the story — and she dresses them accordingly.

“She’s a terrific, creative and eager collaborator. It’s always fun to see her light bulbs go off — she’ll grab ahold of a new idea, direction or concept and run with it — then come back with a smart clothing solution that clarifies and accentuates the particular moment.”

“Aida” rehearsals started July 28.

“I work with each actor individually,” said Robin. “I feel comfortable working with actors. I’m here to support them. I help them find their character through the clothes. They’ll tell me that they’re starting to get a better vision of the character, how they feel more in character, once they try on their costume.”

Lighting and weather figure in.

“The Muny isn’t dark when the show starts. You have to keep in mind the lighting, unlike in other theaters where the lights are turned off.”

Because of the humidity, changes must be made.

“We can’t glue mustaches and prosthetics. We can’t use human hair in wigs because of the humidity. As a designer, you have to make certain accommodations.”

She’s been there before. Last year, she designed costumes for “Beauty and the Beast.”

Next up: Disney on Ice will take her to China and another production of “Billy Elliot” will have her in Pennsylvania.

For now, she’s enjoying where she is.

“I’m happy to be here,” said Robin. “The Muny is a special place. I feel at home, not only because I’ve been here before, but the cast and crew is well-supported, and it’s just a great place to work, one of my favorite places to work. The staff is top-notch.”

An early start

Robin fell in love with theater while a student at Highland High. Her freshman year, she tagged along with a friend to auditions for “The Crucible,” and was cast.

“I caught the bug,” said Robin.

“I really value the education I received at Highland High. We had the fall play and the spring musical, and swing choir, and we traveled all over. I learned a lot about people. You learn how to be a team, how your part contributes to the whole, how to get by in life. Marjorie Clayton, the choral director, was very influential in my life and continues to be so supportive.”

Robin has been inducted into the Highland High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

“It was quite the honor,” she said.

At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, she majored in music education and was in the Marching Salukis band.

From 1984 to 1988, she was choir director at Mater Dei High School in Breese. While working on school plays, she designed the costumes. Her mother always had sewn clothes for Robin, so she knew the basics and her way around a fabric store.

Soon, Robin changed course and pursued a master’s degree in fine arts in costume design from the University of Texas-Austin, where she designed shows for small companies. She later taught at the University of Florida.

After earning her masters in fine arts, she headed to Broadway. She spent 18 years in New York City. Her credits include plays, musicals, operas, live events and television. She has designed outfits for acts in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and prestigious regional theaters, such as The Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. She received the Connecticut Critics Circle Award for “My One and Only” at the Goodspeed.

She strives to ensure the make-believe world she helps create is authentic. Her sharp eye, keen understanding of a director’s vision and creative abilities have made her a sought after theatrical couturier.

“I travel all over the country. I am very grateful. I have lots of great opportunities. I always have many projects in the air. I basically live on the road,” Robin said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

While working in St. Louis, she stays with her parents, Joe and Gail McGee, of Highland. Her younger brother, Brian, lives in Dallas.

“Art takes us out of our everyday existence,” Robin said. “We can relieve stress, leave our troubles behind. In theater, you can feel the energy, there is interaction with the audience. It’s all about creating magical moments.”

The costume designer from Highland was once a young girl watching the shows from the other side.

“I remember growing up, going to The Muny,” she said. “I do get emotional coming back to work here. When I’m here, I feel like I made it.”

This story was originally published August 7, 2016 at 8:00 AM with the headline "Have you seen this Highland woman’s work on stage?."