Gypsy

Orange Park Community Theatre

OPCT scores a hit with its season finale, a spirited performance of the musical “Gypsy,” the story of burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee.

During Vaudeville days of the ‘20’s, thrice-married stage mother Rose pushes hard to make stars of her daughters. She concentrates her efforts on the cute singing and dancing “Baby June,” but has little hope for the apparently less talented Louise. Mama Rose develops an act consisting of her girls and a troop of boys. Ever playing second fiddle, Louise has to dress as a boy or stomp around the stage in a cow costume.

The addition of an agent, Herbie, catapults the act into more lucrative markets. But hard times come with the waning of Vaudeville, the ongoing maturity of cute Baby June, and the onset of radio. Baby June declares her independence from her controlling stage mom by eloping with one of the young men in the act. Mama Rose tries grooming the ever-loyal Louse for a starring role, but she didn’t seem to have what it takes.

Finally Herbie books what is left of the act into a theatre that turns out to be a burlesque joint. What happens after that will leaving you rolling in the aisles with laughter!

Familiar tunes such as “Coming Up Roses” and “Small World” highlight the play, which was written by Arthur Laurents, based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. Jule Styne wrote the music, and Stephen Sondheim penned the lyrics.

Enthusiastic, heartfelt performances give this musical life and energy. Mama Rose, played by Gloria Bennett, is the perfect ambitious, take-no-prisoners stage mom. Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee, played by Kelli Clevenger, grew before our eyes from the unsure teenager into the poised superstar. Joe Wilson capably plays the supportive, likeable Herbie. Miranda Miller is adorable as the young Baby June. Michelle Nugent plays the older Baby June, who moves from compliance to rebellion. Particularly hilarious is the number by the trio of strippers, Ashley Almeida, Shelley Hayes, and Kathleen Andrzejewski, each brazenly showing off her particular gimmick. A large and talented supporting cast makes up the balance.

Directed by Robert M. Wilson and Barbara C. Wells, produced by Michael Ray and co-producer Michael Gillooly, and assisted by a large crew of choreographers, assistants and musicians, “Gypsy” provides a great evening of entertainment.

“Gypsy” is running through the entire month of June, so you can still make reservations and see it. Orange Park Community Theatre is located at 2900 Moody Road, Orange Park. For more information see their website at www.opct.org. They recommend you call for reservations at 904-272-2599 or by email. A link is provided at the web site.

Lydia Filzen is an Orange Park author writing as Lydia Hawke. Her novel, Firetrail, is available through Wings Press and www.lydiahawke.us. She can also be contacted at 272-0726.