The quintessential showbiz mom takes to the DeSoto stage Friday night.
Mama Rose and all her scheming ways joins a cast of 55 on Friday night as Rome Little Theatre presents the hit Broadway musical “Gypsy.”
With unforgettable music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the show is based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous burlesque artist. It focuses on her mother, Rose, whose name has become synonymous with the ultimate show business mother.
The role of Rose was made famous by Broadway legend Ethel Merman and more recently by Tony Award winner Patti Lupone. Audiences follow the dreams and efforts of Rose as she tries to raise two daughters to perform on the Vaudeville stage.
Director Don Rusaw said while he intends to put his own mark on the local production, he doesn’t plan to make many changes to the popular show.
“I do it my way but I’ll follow the Broadway script and the music very closely,” Rusaw said. “There’s not much to improve on with the job Sondheim has done.” Rusaw said his primary job as director was to assemble a strong cast.
Leigha Burnham plays the dynamic Rose while Anna Farless plays Louise (who later becomes Gypsy Rose Lee) and Danny Price plays Herbie, the girls’ manager and Rose’s love interest.
Music and choreography also play major roles in the show. Rusaw said choreographer Joanna Rusaw had her job cut out for her choreographing many of the vaudeville numbers. But the bulk of the musical arrangement fell on James Willis, the show’s conductor and choir director.
“The music is very popular and James has done a great job with the musicians and with the actors as well,” Rusaw said.
The show includes such selections as “Everything’s Coming up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You” and “Rose’s Turn.” Drop sets by Becky and Tiff Magruder include vaudeville scenes, hotel rooms, offices and dressing rooms. “When you cast a show like this you really have to pick just the right people,” Rusaw said. “Our lead actors do a wonderful job but what’s even more impressive is that our minor characters really shine.”
“Gypsy” opens Friday and runs Saturday and Sunday as well as April 3, 4 and 5. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For ticket information, call the box office at 706-295-7171.
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