Gypsy at Hornsby

“I had a dream ....” sings Momma Rose, the quintessential stage mother as she pushes her daughters onto the stage and relentlessly pursues stardom.  The story of the musical Gypsy, currently being presented by Hornsby Musical society, followsRose, June and Louise in their trip across the United States during the 1920′s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Initially Rose focuses all of her energy on June the younger of the two, but when June tires of Rose’s antics and leaves the act Rose is forced to try and mould the shy Louise into a star. Through a series of mishaps the troupe is accidentally booked into a burlesque theatre, when the star act cannot go on Rose pushes Louise to take the spot.  The clumsy Louise shoots to stardom by becoming something different, a ladylike stripper!

Jule Styne’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics include ‘Let Me Entertain You’, ‘Some People’, ‘You’ll Never Get Away from Me’, ‘If Momma Was Married’, ‘All I Need Is the Girl’, ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’, ‘You Gotta Get A Gimmick’ and ‘Together Wherever We Go’. This is a gripping story of one of the most frightening aspects of show business.

Director, Valerie Miller fell in love with Natalie Wood’s Gypsy Rose Lee when she was a young girl. “I loved that there was a chance that one could blossom and become beautiful, when Louise is ready to perform for the first time and says gently to her image in the mirror, “Momma I am beautiful” this just resonated with me. We all want to be beautiful and admired, especially as young women … even those of us who have journeyed a little longer! I admire the real Gypsy Rose Lee. She was uneducated and made a name for herself and created a legacy that is still remembered and revered. She is a fine example of how to make it. She was sassy, clever and achieved success”.

What is unique about this production of Gypsy?

Valerie’s vision for the production, along with the other creatives, Andrew Chessher (Musical Director) and Chris Bamford (Choreographer) was to have big ensemble numbers that just explode with colour and pizzazz on stage. This is a bright and beautiful show. The costumes, thanks to Costume Designer, Dina Gialouris are absolutely sensational! They truly are an artwork in themselves. The dance numbers have a contemporary fast edge to their style yet they fit in perfectly with the era and the songs.

According to Valerie the cast has delivered beyond her expectations, Sue Rowe as Rose is a force to be reckoned with, people will fall in love with Paul Sheldon as the sensitive Herbie, Sarah  Freidrich shows her star quality as June, Tim Selby shines as Tulsa and Chloe Horne is stunning as Gypsy Rose Lee.

Gypsy is showing at Hornsby RSL Club, 4 High Street, Hornsby (NSW).

Friday,  30 October 2015 – 7.30 pm

Saturday, 31 October 2015 – 2.00pm & 7.30 pm

Bookings  at www.hornsbymusicalsociety.com.au  or call the RSL on 9477 7777.

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