Mary Rose Ferrara, costume designer, has had a life-long love of the theatre, which began at St. Benedict’s Academy where she played the role of Henry Higgins’ mother in My Fair Lady. After spending time backstage, she soon realized she enjoyed costuming more than performing. Mary Rose continued to hone her skills in the alterations and bridal departments at Carlisle’s department store and S&K Menswear. She began her costuming career in 1971 volunteering at Storybook Theatre with Ben Agresti and Charlie Corritore. Prior to joining the Erie Playhouse staff in 2003, Mary Rose was head costume designer at Mercyhurst Preparatory School. Her proudest accomplishments at MPS were The Wizard of OZ, Into the Woods, and The King and I. Mary Rose is proud of her theatre family. Her husband Marty recently became the Erie Playhouse prop master and nick-named him the “Chief of Stuff”. Her daughter "Moe" (Maureen), a recent magna cum laude graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College, has been playing violin in the EP pit orchestra for the past 8 years. Mary Rose’s favorite show at the Erie Playhouse is Aida because it was a family event. Daughter, Moe, performed in the pit, husband, Marty, worked on stage crew, and Mary Rose was Amneris’ dresser. “Theare just gets into your blood and all of those around you just can’t help but be drawn in with you!” When not in the costume shop, Mary Rose enjoys turning treasured bridal gowns into heirloom christening dresses.