News

‘Gypsy’ opens at Playhouse

Caroline Quinn plays Baby Louise, Klea Blackhurst stars as Mama Rose and Samantha Penny portrays Baby June in Gypsy opening tonight at the Flat Rock Playhouse.[Photo by SCOTT TREADWAY/Treadshots]

By Bill Moss, Published: July 22, 2015

The Tony award-winning and critically acclaimed musical Gypsy opens this week at the Clyde & Nina Allen Mainstage of the Flat Rock Playhouse and runs through Aug. 16.

Based on the script by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Gypsy tells the true story of 1930s burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee, tracing her journey in traveling shows with her sister, Dainty June, and their overbearing mother, Mama Rose.
Featuring memorable tunes like Everything’s Coming Up Roses, You Gotta Get A Gimmick and Rose’s Turn, Gypsy stars returning Playhouse performer Klea Blackhurst as Mama Rose, Stephanie Cowan as Louise (Gypsy Rose Lee), Libby Servais as Dainty June, Stewart Gregory as Herbie, Caroline Quinn as Baby Louise and Samantha and Clancy Penny alternating in the role of Baby June. Also in the cast are David Paul Kidder as Tulsa, Courtney Daniels as Mazeppa, Catherine LeFrere as Electra and Marcy McGuigan as Tessie Tura. Also featured are longtime Vagabonds Preston Dyar and Scott Treadway.
Gypsy is directed and choreographed by longtime Vagabond Amy E. Jones.
"Gypsy has been a number one audience request for a very long time and we are thrilled to finally be able to present this rousing backstage musical celebration of show business and the price one would pay to become a star,” says Lisa K. Bryant, the Playhouse artistic director. “With a thrilling score by Jule Styne integrated into one of the finest books ever to grace the Broadway stage, it's no wonder why Gypsy is often considered the finest American musical ever."
Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15-40 and can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or visiting www.flatrockplayhouse.org.