GYPSY

VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: JULY 1 – JULY 31

(In the Nickelson Auditorium)

 

MARY LOUISE LEE ELECTRIFIES AS MAMA ROSE!!! This outstanding musical theatre actor blows the roof right off the theatre with her emotionally charged rendition of "Rose's Turn."

 

     With music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and Book by Arthur Laurents, Gypsy is what more than one director have described as the Best Musical ever.    

      Add to that the fact that the show is directed by Bernie Cardell, and you have a recipe for success non pareil.

     The tale of an ambitious Stage mother who is fighting for her daughter’s success, Gypsy opened in 1959. It’s set in the 1920’s as vaudeville is dying and burlesque is being born.

     Some of the great numbers you will recognize are: “May We Entertain You?”  “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”, “Together, Wherever We Go,”and of course, “Rose’s Turn.”

     Director Cardell has cast the show impeccably. He’s assigned the plum role of Mama Rose to the incomparable Mary Louise Lee, and that of Louise (the young Gypsy Rose Lee) to Camryn Nailah Torres. (Nailah Torres received the Marlowe Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her work in Vintage Theatre’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “CINDERELLA” last season.) 

     The scene(s) involving Louise's evolution into Gypsy Rose Lee near final curtain are superbly acted. Ms. Nailah Torres will take your breath away.    

     Michaela Murray is a brilliant June. Joe Barnard performs the role of Tulsa with real panache. Barnard’s big number, “All I Need Now is the Girl,” is sung and danced beautifully.

     Denver favorite Michael O’Shea is eminently touching as Herbie. 

     Faith Siobahn Ford (Mazeppa), Jenny Mather (Tessie Turah) and ShaShauna 

Staton(Electra) make up the hilarious trio of strippers the troupe encounters entering the world of burlesque. It’s heartwarming to see ShaShauna Staton playing Electra in the auditorium named for her father, Jeffrey Nickelson.

     Joey Wishnia is superb as Pop!

     Cheryl Faulkner’s costume design is spot on!

     Trent Hines’ music direction is his usual professional work. Bravo!

 

July 1 – 31**

$20 - $38

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010