The Dramateurs will conclude their 2016 season with the Arthur Laurents & Jule Styne musical GYPSY. This classic musical also features lyrics by iconic composer Stephen Sondheim.
GYPSY is the story of the ultimate stage mother. Join Rose, June and Louise on their trip across the United States during the 1920s, when Vaudeville was dying and Burlesque was born. Mama Rose is determined that her younger daughter, June. But once June elopes, Mama turns her attention to her older, less-talented Louise. Arthur Laurents’ landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with artful humor, heart and sophistication.
The musical GYPSY is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist. It contains many songs that became popular Broadway standards, including “Everything’s Coming up Roses”, “Together (Wherever We Go)”, “Small World”, “You Gotta Get a Gimmick”, “Let Me Entertain You”, “All I Need Is the Girl”, and “Rose’s Turn”. It is frequently considered one of the crowning achievements of the mid-20th century’s conventional musical theatre art form, often called the “book musical”.
GYPSY has been referred to as the greatest American musical by numerous critics and writers, among them Ben Brantley and Frank Rich. Rich wrote that “Gypsy is nothing if not Broadway’s own brassy, unlikely answer to ‘King Lear.'” Theater critic Clive Barnes wrote that “‘Gypsy’ is one of the best of musicals…” and described the character of Rose as “one of the few truly complex characters in the American musical….”
The Dramateurs production features a talented ensemble of actors from across the Delaware Valley. Barbara Sherman of Philadelphia plays Mama Rose, the ultimate stage mother. Sarah Rodgers of Lancaster portrays Louise, Rose’s daughter to makes it big in an unconventional way.
Nora Eliff plays Baby June and Kenneth Olin portrays Herbie. The production is directed by Robert Marsch of West Conshohocken with music direction by Robert Stoop of Bensalem and choreography by Gail Oldfield of Kimberton.
Peformances begin September 30 and continue October 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 at 8:00 pm, with a matinee performance October 9 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $19 with a $2 discount for juniors and seniors. Tickets may be reserved online at www.barnplayhouse.org or by calling the theater box office at (610) 539-BARN.
Theater/Organization The Dramateurs, Inc. at the Barn Playhouse
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.barnplayhouse.org
Theater/Organization Address: 90 Wheat Sheaf Lane Eagleville, Pennsylvania 19403 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (484) 213-5893
