A Musical Fable, Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee
Original Production by David Merrick and Leland Hayward
Entire production originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins
“Let us entertain you” as we welcome you to the musical fable of Gypsy ~ the tale of an ambitious stage mother who navigates the fading world of vaudeville by pushing her daughters to achieve the stardom she always wanted for herself. “Ready or not – here comes Momma” with Shannon Willis Scruggs (Always Patsy Cline; Bright Star) taking the role of the always domineering and sometimes demeaning Momma Rose. Gracelynn Wall (The Secret Garden) and Grace Bender (The Music Man) portray Rose’s daughters at the beginning of their “careers” as part of the small-fry troupe on a musical tour that takes them through sordid back stages and fleabag hotels of the 1920s. Ashton Boland (The Secret Garden) steps in as a more “grown up” Louise who transforms into burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee. Hayle Berry, in her Town Theatre debut, portrays June in her middle years, first adoring the spotlight but then despises it; creating the opening for her sister’s rise to stardom when she runs off with co-star Tulsa, taken by Kieran Eustace, also joining the Town company for the first time. Joel Yarborough (A Christmas Carol: The Musical, Les Mis) portrays Herbie, showcasing the struggles between being a father figure to Louise and June and a suitor to Momma Rose.
Their journey to Broadway takes them to the bowels of show business, where they encounter three ladies of the world of Burlesque. Tori Bernasconi (making her first appearance on the Town stage) portrays Mazeppa; Jenn Krauss (Come From Away) shines as Electra; and Mia Oliver (also making her Town debut) shows finesse as Tessie Tura. And what is the story of Gypsy without Newsboys, Farmboys and caricatures of the world of Vaudeville? Agnes Babb (Anything Goes), Zach Cieri (Elf: The Musical), Troy King (Little Shop of Horrors), Chris Matney (Something Rotten), Reid Moser (Mamma Mia), Ariana Mejie (The Little Mermaid), Lexi Narry (Beauty and the Beast) and Peyton Rabon (Kiss Me, Kate) are joined by Town newcomers Chris Bender, Victoria Britt, Charlie Davenport, Ashli Harley and Summer Jewell, bringing to life the many colorful characters of our fable. And we can’t forget our youngest troupers, led by Town veterans Kate Davenport (Annie Jr.) and Kylie Harley (Seussical Jr.), alongside Mia Mejie, Leo and Valentino Ramierez and Sebastian Slade, taking their first steps onto our stage.
The show is directed by Jerry Crouch with music direction by Michael Simmons and choreography by Joy Alexander. Set design is by Bob Bramhall with technical direction and lighting design by Jeremy Hansard. Costumes are provided by Dell Goodrich, stage management by Morgan Ruebusch, props by Gina Janvrin, wigs by Jodie Harris and sound design by Julian Harley. The orchestra includes Michael Simmons (piano), Gage Banks (percussion) and Linnea Hahn (Flute).
Thanks to our show’s sponsors: Hood Construction and Jim Hudson Automotive.
Tickets are available beginning Tuesday, October 6 (Patrons and above), Thursday, October 8 (other members) and Tuesday, October 13 (public). Memberships will be available through the close of Gypsy on November 1.
Gypsy is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com.
