APA’s ‘Gypsy’ Is Sheer Perfection

Everything is coming up roses in Orleans with the opening of “Gypsy” last week at the Academy Playhouse. Be sure to brace yourself, because this production is spectacular! 

Originally based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the acclaimed show debuted on Broadway in the late 1950s with several revivals throughout the decades. “Gypsy” features music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The show is considered the crown jewel of musicals because of its complex characters and story, paired with its timeless iconic songs.

The story of “Gypsy” is one filled with hope, heartache and a mother grappling with her own unfulfilled and ambitious dreams. Rose, the ultimate helicopter mom-ager, wheels and deals her way through life grasping at any opportunity she can to make her daughters, June and Louise, into vaudeville stars. 

APA’s production of “Gypsy” is directed by Sue Lindholm with musical direction by Geraldine Boles. The show-stopping set design by Mark Roderick and Nicholas Dorr will wow audiences with a handcrafted buggy and marquee-lit backdrops. Here’s a hot tip: the custom vehicle will also make an appearance in this summer’s production of “Grease!”

The character of Rose has been famously played through the years in film and on Broadway by Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Bette Midler and Patti LuPone, to name a few. In APA’s production, Rose is played by Denise Page, and she portrays the iconic character flawlessly. Her sass and humor, combined with her outstanding vocals, made Page the perfect Rose. Her delivery of two of the most memorable songs in the show, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Rose’s Turn,” were remarkable.

Playing the younger versions of Rose’s daughters, Baby Louise and Baby June, were Cora Goers and Sylvie Weimer. These two young ladies steal scenes left and right throughout the first act. Their performance in the opening number, “May We Entertain You,” was a real delight. One fun fact is that this production of “Gypsy” was a family affair for Sylvie, whose parents also had roles in the show: mom Kerry Fitzgibbons played Electra and dad Billy Weimer played Weber/Phil.

Gianna Casale, a recent graduate of Nauset High School, plays the role of Louise/Gypsy, and Lyla Crawley, a junior at Barnstable High, plays June. These two actors perfected their roles with confidence and grit. Michael Olson plays Tulsa and Nicholas Dorr plays Pop and Pastey.

The character of talent agent and Rose’s love interest, Herbie, is played by Eastham resident and Provincetown drag queen favorite, Mike Steers. His portrayal of Herbie is spot-on, and his charm oozes through numbers like “Together, Wherever We Go” and “You’ll Never Get Away From Me.”

Three fierce and feisty women play the sultry burlesque performers in Act II: Julia Randall (Tessie Tura), Melanie Pasko (Mazzepa) and Kerry Fitzgibbons (Electra). These women wow in their performance of “You Gotta Get a Gimmick.” Be on the lookout for one costume that really shines!

Hazel Yingling is no stranger to the APA stage and can be spotted in the wings between scenes holding up cue cards as the Vaudeville Sign Girl. The show also features a host of newsboys who perform throughout the show in various scenes: Toby Goers, Kiva Mruk, Layla La Bonte, Cora Goers and Sylvie Weimer.

Rounding out this talented cast is Mark Roderick, Link Gosling, Suzanne Fecteau, Emma Engelsen, Ella Bohn, Eve Miner, Julia Morgan, Cecelia Miner, Charlotte Harper-Harriman, Mickey Olson and Shiloh Pabst.

The Academy of Performing Arts continues to knock it out of the park with each and every production. If I could go see “Gypsy” a dozen more times, I would! It was that spectacular!

DETAILS:

“Gypsy”

At the Academy of Performing Arts, Main Street, Orleans

Through June 8, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Information and reservations: 508-255-1963, academyplayhouse.org