Open Forum

In a nutshell - ABSOLUTELY! But there's an argument to be made on doing things "how they were done" without blatantly copying the show.  Just like you wouldn't copy choreography, the design of the show should be a creative process.  Sometimes things are EXPECTED a certain way, but that doesn't mean you can't give it a little twist.  

Sending Bardic Inspiration for your designs!

HI

  The answer is yes as long as you are making conscious decisions that fit with the vision of your show.  It does not really work if only one costume is different because that will make the difference stand out. If all the costumes fit the world of the play that you are creating than yes it works. Developing a vision for a known show that is different from the original allows the audience to see your show as unique   and they cannot compare it to the original.  AS long as the difference is apparent from the first curtain opening the audience will be engaged and not trying to compare it to another production. Another benefit is that you, your cast and crew and your audience get to see the show in a different light. They may learn new things about the characters and the story.  Have fun and here is to a new vision of whatever show you are doing.

Cathy