The Walt Disney Archives has opened the cases on several pieces from That Thing You Do! for the film’s 30th anniversary, including the Wonders’ red suits, prop records and Play-Tone tour material.
The film opened October 4, 1996. The new archive feature offers a close look at objects that helped build its fictional 1964 music scene, from the first singles recorded in Uncle Bob’s church studio to the paperwork signed by the band.
Play-Tone pieces return to view
Among the photographed pieces are a prop vinyl record, an art department mockup of the album sleeve and brochures for the Play-Tone Galaxy of Stars Tour. The Archives also shared the Play-Tone contracts made for Guy Patterson, Jimmy Mattingly, Lenny Haise and the unnamed Bass Player.
The red suits
The preserved costumes include the bright red suits worn during the Wonders’ run on the state fair tour. Colleen Atwood designed the band’s wardrobe, shifting its look from mismatched college-show clothes to coordinated stage costumes as its success grew.
The close-up with Guy Patterson’s suit also includes the Bass Player’s transistor radio and the band’s early prop singles. The labels still carry the group’s original name: the Oneders.
See the complete 30th-anniversary feature from the Walt Disney Archives.