In Memoriam: Nino Novellino Nino Novellino, president of Costume Armour, passed away on June 11 from complications with myasthenia gravis. He was 81 and a resident of Goshen, New York. Novellino grew up in Glen Rock, New Jersey and discovered art at an early age. He graduated with honors from Pratt Institute in New York. He worked for Feller Scenery, where he was head sculptor, and for Costume Armour. With his wife, Mary, he purchased Costume Armour, which was also owned by Pete Feller and his wife, Katie. In 1976, the Novellinos moved from New York City to Goshen, turning Costume Armour into a thriving enterprise specializing in theatrical armor and custom sculpture and props. The company, which is still active, has contributed to innumerable Broadway shows including Cats, Sunset Boulevard, Man of La Mancha, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, and Spamalot. Novellino's sculptures, props, and set pieces were also seen in productions of New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Martha Graham Dance Company as well as Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera. Other clients included Disney theme parks, Universal Studios, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Big Apple Circus, and Radio City Music Hall. He also worked on various film and television projects. In 2004, Novellino received the Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for his sculpture in the theatre. Indeed, he was known as the "Michaelangelo of Broadway." He is survived by his sisters Rosemary Novellino-Mearns, Tina Novellino, and brother-in-law Bill Mearns.
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