Gypsy

This show is a good choice for a local community because it requires a large cast from a wide range of age groups and a backstage staff with a multitude of talents, including an orchestra with training, or else well-trained, musicians. It's also a suitable vehicle to show off local talent and give those star struck individuals a chance to sample the delights of being on the stage. 

And, interestingly, isn't this what this show is all about?

Having said that, this musical adaptation of the life of famous burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee is no easy task to stage because it is one of the big budget Broadway musical hits from the past created by a well-established team of demanding artistic talents. However, Beenleigh Theatre Group, with their limited budget, still managed to bring the show to life and capture the essence of the story and the characters, in particular Gypsy's mother, in a grand and exuberant performance by Della Kidd, and Ian Maurice, superbly cast, as her agent/companion Herbie. There were also some additional terrific performances from the younger set in the group; even the munchkins were enough to make any mum proud, including Mr Biggles, the lamb.

Though needing a stitch or two and more pace, the show still demonstrated an enjoyable assortment of character actor performances, too many to mention here, to enhance the action and tickle the funny-bone including a suitable mini orchestra with Musical Director Christine Leah at the keyboard.

This is a fun-filled community theatre night out and an opportunity to see one of the great mainstream family musicals from the past.

Brian Adamson