Playing Pretend

Every kid loves to dress up, and David Oelerich was no exception (Buddy Holly was his favorite pretend). He probably never could have imagined he would one day own a costume shop filled with every imaginable character — a kid’s paradise. Ironically, his Costumes of Nashua (which is in Hudson) caters mostly to adults (yes, there are lots who dress up for lots of reasons) and, thanks to the Internet, he ships his costumes all over the world. Can I rent a Michael Jackson glove for Halloween?Yes, we have an excellent Michael Jackson “Thriller” costume and, yes, we have the silver sequined glove for purchase or rental.Is there that much demand other than at Halloween?Thanks to our extensive Internet presence, we are very busy year-round. The Christmas season starts in August when we start shipping Santa suits and wig sets. Spring starts the theatre season. We ship leprechauns and Easter bunnies all over the country. Then there are school projects and book reports. Year-round we do event marketing, corporate events, sales conventions, theme parties and theme weddings. Before you know it, we’re back to Halloween.Why do we like to dress up, even as adults?Playing pretend is part of every kid’s growing-up years. As we get older we tend to forget how much fun it is. Then along comes a holiday or a special occasion and we flash back to those days when we pretended to be cowboys and Indians or movie stars, or jungle animals. Everyone dreams about being someone or something else, even if only for a little while. We help make those dreams come true. Your favorite costume as a kid?I used to dress up like Buddy Holly and dream of being a rock star. I had the perfect glasses for him, but was a bit short on talent.How did you get started?As far back as I can remember I have had a deep passion for theatre. Some of us were born for the stage; some of us work better behind the scene. Over the last 23 years we have amassed a collection of costumes that is unmatched and unrivaled anywhere in New England.What’s the latest trend?In adult costumes, there’s an increase in the popularity of the burlesque and bordello themes. What politician is rented the most?For the most part politicians come and go with the election, but Richard Nixon is popular year after year.The most expensive costume?The stunning “Aloha from Hawaii” jumpsuit with matching cap is $2,249.98 and worth every penny! Our Elvis costumes are second to none.The weirdest costume someone has requested?For the most part, weird is normal for us. So it takes a lot to be considered an unusual request.