Everything will be coming up roses when the cast of “Gypsy” takes to the Orcas Center stage this weekend.
Director Deborah Sparks says the renowned Broadway musical has comedy, children, glamour, and emotionally charged, dramatic moments. The cast of more than 70 will sing and dance for two weeks of performances.
“We are using a minimalist setting on which fabulous set pieces made by Chris Brems appear from time to time,” Sparks said. “We have showgirls in ‘mile high’ headpieces created by Dean Carey and costumes designed by Kathy Walsh, Beth Baker, and me.”
Baker is also playing the lead role of Madam Rose, the stage mother who pushes her daughters, Louise and June, to perform. The play is based on the memoirs of Louise, known to the world as Gypsy Rose Lee, who shot to fame as a stripper. The play portrays her early years as a vaudeville actress with her sister, and later as a burlesque dancer.
“After reading the memoirs written by her daughter, Louise, I found a great deal of respect and admiration for Rose and what she managed to accomplish,” Baker said. “I hope I can do her justice.”
The local singer and actress has been performing since she was 10 years old. She received a BA in theatre, and has had roles in such Orcas Center plays as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
“I’m so happy we found a musical that gives Beth the opportunity to demonstrate her massive talent in singing and acting,” Sparks said. “We have such a great cast: Freddy Hinkle, Tony Lee, Grace McCune, Grace and Hailey Thompson, Emily Aring, Kristen Wilson, Jamie Mulligan Smith and our two little stars, Paris Wilson and Ariel Vergan, and many more.”
McCune is portraying Louise, and the roles of a “young” June and Louise are being played by elementary students Wilson and Vergan, high schooler Grace, and her 22-year-old sister, Hailey.
Joe Babcock is musical director for “Gypsy,” and his wife, Susan, is the choreographer. It’s the first time the couple has done a production together. Joe, who is also director of the Orcas Island Community Band, says it’s been a lot of fun.
“Rehearsals have been going very well,” he said. “The singers are singing, the actors are acting, and the dancers are dancing. It’s moving right along.”
Joe is leading a 13-piece orchestra that includes the violin, cello, saxophone, piano, French horn, drums, trumpet, and trombone. He says the score of “Gypsy” is light and upbeat.
Joe played the trumpet in “Beauty and the Beast,” but this is his first time leading the music for an Orcas Center production. In Texas, where he and Susan lived prior to Orcas, he was involved in “Carousel,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “South Pacific,” and more.
Joe says the community should come see “Gypsy” because it’s “very good, inexpensive entertainment.”
One of Susan’s goals as choreographer was to keep the original routines, which she has accomplished. Her dancers range from age eight to adult, and she says she’s been amazed at their ability to learn.
“What a great theatre we have. This island is so lucky to have the talent and the resources here,” Susan said. “Zach Knight has the big male dance scene. He’s a total non-dancer, but he’s come on like gang-busters. I am really proud of him.”
Sparks is confident the community will be entertained.
“I think the community will leave happily humming some of the tunes!” she said. “Many of the numbers are songs people have heard before, but maybe didn’t realize they were from the score for ‘Gypsy.’”
Dates and times of “Gypsy” performances
Thursday-Friday, April 22-23, 7:30 p.m. • Saturday, April 24, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursday-Friday, April 29-30, 7:30 p.m. • Saturday, May 1, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $17, $13 (Orcas Center members), and $9 (students).
